Medical device for removing an omplanted object using laser cut hypotubes

ABSTRACT

Methods and devices for separating an implanted object, such as a pacemaker lead, from tissue surrounding such object in a patient&#39;s vasculature system. Specifically, the surgical device includes a handle, an elongate inner sheath and a circular cutting blade that extends from the distal end of the sheath upon actuating the handle. The circular cutting blade is configured to engage the tissue surrounding an implanted lead and cut such tissue in a coring fashion as the surgical device translates along the length of the lead, thereby allowing the lead, as well as any tissue remaining attached to the lead, to enter the device&#39;s elongate shaft. The surgical device has a barrel cam cylinder in the handle assembly that imparts rotation of the blade and a separate cam mechanism in the tip of outer sheath assembly that imparts and controls the extension and retraction of the blade. The barrel cam cylinder and cam mechanism cooperate to cause the blade to rotate in a first direction and extend from and retract in the outer sheath due to a first actuation of the handle and to rotate in a second direction and extend and retract in the outer sheath due to a second actuation of the handle. The inner sheath and outer sheath are constructed of laser-cut hypotubes, thereby allowing the surgical device, particularly the sheath assembly, to have a smaller profile for navigating smaller sized vasculature.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 15/992,016, filed May 29, 2018, which is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 15/249,206, filed Aug. 26, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,980,743, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/627,851, filed Feb. 20, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,603,618, which claims the benefit of and priority to 35 U.S.C. § 119 and/or 35 U.S.C. § 120, which is a Continuation-In-Part of International Application No. PCT/US2014/026496, filed Mar. 13, 2014, which claims the benefit of and priority to, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/793,597, filed Mar. 15, 2013, U.S. application Ser. No. 14/627,851, filed Feb. 20, 2015 and also claims the benefit of and priority to, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/947,377, filed Mar. 3, 2014, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/058,790, filed Oct. 2, 2014, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/113,865, filed Feb. 9, 2015, The present application also claims the benefit of and priority to, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/211,151, filed Aug. 28, 2015. The above applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties for all that they teach and for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to devices, methods and systems for separating tissue in a patient's vascular system, and more specifically, to devices for separating tissue attached to implanted objects, such as leads, in a patient's vascular system and removing such objects.

BACKGROUND

Surgically implanted cardiac pacing systems, such as pacemakers and defibrillators, play an important role in the treatment of heart disease. In the 50 years since the first pacemaker was implanted, technology has improved dramatically, and these systems have saved or improved the quality of countless lives. Pacemakers treat slow heart rhythms by increasing the heart rate or by coordinating the heart's contraction for some heart failure patients. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators stop dangerous rapid heart rhythms by delivering an electric shock.

Cardiac pacing systems typically include a timing device and a lead, which are placed inside the body of a patient. One part of the system is the pulse generator containing electric circuits and a battery, usually placed under the skin on the chest wall beneath the collarbone. To replace the battery, the pulse generator must be changed by a simple surgical procedure every 5 to 10 years. Another part of the system includes the wires, or leads, which run between the pulse generator and the heart. In a pacemaker, these leads allow the device to increase the heart rate by delivering small timed bursts of electric energy to make the heart beat faster. In a defibrillator, the lead has special coils to allow the device to deliver a high-energy shock and convert potentially dangerous rapid rhythms (ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation) back to a normal rhythm. Additionally, the leads may transmit information about the heart's electrical activity to the pacemaker.

For both of these functions, leads must be in contact with heart tissue. Most leads pass through a vein under the collarbone that connects to the right side of the heart (right atrium and right ventricle). In some cases, a lead is inserted through a vein and guided into a heart chamber where it is attached with the heart. In other instances, a lead is attached to the outside of the heart. To remain attached to the heart muscle, most leads have a fixation mechanism, such as a small screw and/or hooks at the end.

Within a relatively short time after a lead is implanted into the body, the body's natural healing process forms scar tissue along the lead and possibly at its tip, thereby fastening it even more securely in the patient's body. Leads usually last longer than device batteries, so leads are simply reconnected to each new pulse generator (battery) at the time of replacement. Although leads are designed to be implanted permanently in the body, occasionally these leads must be removed, or extracted. Leads may be removed from patients for numerous reasons, including but not limited to, infections, lead age, and lead malfunction.

Removal or extraction of the lead may be difficult. As mentioned above, the body's natural healing process forms scar tissue over and along the lead, and possibly at its tip, thereby encasing at least a portion of the lead and fastening it even more securely in the patient's body. In addition, the lead and/or tissue may become attached to the vasculature wall. Both results may, therefore, increase the difficulty of removing the leads from the patient's vasculature.

A variety of tools have been developed to make lead extraction safer and more successful. Current lead extraction techniques include mechanical traction, mechanical devices, and laser devices. Mechanical traction may be accomplished by inserting a locking stylet into the hollow portion of the lead and then pulling the lead to remove it. An example of such a lead locking device is described and illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,167,315 to Coe et al., which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all that it teaches and for all purposes.

A mechanical device to extract leads may include one or more a flexible tubes called a sheath that passes over the lead and/or the surrounding tissue. One of the sheaths may include a tip having a dilator, a separator and/or a cutting blade, such that upon advancement, the tip (and possibly the sheath cooperate to) dilates, separates and/or cuts to separate the scar tissue from other scar tissue including the scar tissue surrounding the lead. In some cases, the tip (and sheath) may also separate the tissue itself from the lead. Once the lead is separated from the surrounding tissue and/or the surrounding tissue is separated from the remaining scar tissue, the lead may be inserted into a hollow lumen of the sheath for removal and/or be removed from the patient's vasculature using some other mechanical devices, such as the mechanical traction device previously described in United States Patent Publication No. 2008/0154293 to Taylor, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all that it teaches and for all purposes.

Some lead extraction devices include mechanical sheaths that have trigger mechanisms for extending the blade from the distal end of the sheath. An example of such devices and method used to extract leads is described and illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,781 to Grace, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all that it teaches and for all purposes. Another example of these device that has a trigger mechanism for extending the blade from the distal end of the sheath is described and illustrated in United States Patent Publication No. 2014/0277037 having application Ser. No. 13/834,405 filed Mar. 14, 2013, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all that it teaches and for all purposes.

Controlling the amount of extension and retraction of the blade within a patient's vasculature may be critical, particularly when the sheath and blade negotiate tortuous paths that exist in certain vascular or physiological environments and/or when the blade is attempting to cut and/or separate tough surrounding tissue. Furthermore, in certain cases, using such mechanical devices for lead removal may require more meticulous control, such as when the leads are located in, and/or attached to a structurally-weak portion of the vasculature. For instance, typical leads in a human may pass through the innominate vein, past the superior vena cava (“SVC”), and into the right atrium of the heart. Tissue growth occurring along the SVC and other locations along the innominate vein may increase the risk and difficulty in extracting the leads from such locations, particularly when the vein(s)′ walls are thin and the surrounding tissue is notably fibrous.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, there is a need for a device, method and/or system such as a surgical device that has the capability to precisely control the extension, retraction and rotation of a blade from within an outer sheath. For example, it may be desirable for the blade to rotate in one direction as the blade initially extends from and retracts within the outer sheath, then rotate in an opposite direction upon subsequent extension and retraction during the same actuation of the surgical device. The present disclosure discusses a surgical device that has a barrel cam cylinder in the handle assembly that imparts rotation of the blade and a separate cam mechanism in the tip of outer sheath assembly that imparts and controls the extension and retraction of the blade. The barrel cam cylinder and cam mechanism cooperate to cause the blade to rotate in one direction as it initially extends from and retracts in the outer sheath and to rotate in a second direction as it extends and retracts a second time. For each actuation of the handle, the blade rotates in one direction as it initially extends from and retracts into outer sheath and subsequently rotates in a second direction as it extends and retracts a second time. Alternating the direction of rotation in conjunction with the extension and retraction of the blade during rotation creates a slicing action in one direction for each extension and retraction of the blade, thereby minimizing the potential for the blade to become jammed in the surrounding tissue.

A device in accordance with this disclosure for removing an implanted object from a body vessel, may comprise a sheath assembly comprising an outer sheath assembly and an inner sheath assembly, and a pin, the outer sheath assembly comprising an outer sheath and an outer band, the outer band coupled to the pin, the inner sheath assembly comprising an inner sheath and a tip, wherein the tip has a cutting surface, the inner sheath comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the inner sheath is coupled to the tip, the tip comprising a cam slot for receipt of and cooperation with the pin, and a handle assembly comprising a trigger and a barrel cam cylinder, the trigger comprising a trigger pin, the barrel cam cylinder comprising a barrel cam cylinder slot for receipt and cooperation with the trigger pin, wherein the proximal end of the inner sheath is coupled to the barrel cam cylinder such that upon the trigger pin moving proximally in a longitudinal direction, the barrel cam cylinder rotates in both a clockwise direction and a counter clockwise direction, thereby causing the tip to rotate in both the clockwise direction and the counter clockwise direction while the tip moves longitudinally.

A device in accordance with this disclosure for removing an implanted object from a body vessel, may alternatively comprise a sheath assembly comprising an outer sheath assembly and an inner sheath assembly, and a pin, wherein the outer sheath assembly and the inner sheath assembly each comprise a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the outer sheath assembly is coupled to the distal end of the inner sheath assembly by the pin, the inner sheath assembly comprising an inner sheath and a tip at its distal end, wherein the tip has a cutting surface, the tip comprising a slot for receipt of and cooperation with the pin, and a handle assembly comprising a trigger and a barrel cam cylinder, the trigger comprising a trigger pin, the barrel cam cylinder comprising a barrel cam cylinder slot for receipt and cooperation with the trigger pin, wherein the proximal end of the inner sheath is coupled to the barrel cam cylinder by the trigger pin such that upon the trigger pin moving proximally in a longitudinal direction, the barrel cam cylinder rotates in a first direction and a second direction, wherein the first direction is different than the second direction, wherein the tip moves longitudinally while the barrel cam cylinder rotates in the first direction, and wherein the tip moves longitudinally while the barrel cam cylinder rotates in the second direction.

There is a need for a device, method and/or system such as a surgical device that has the capability to precisely control the extension, retraction and rotation of a blade from within an outer sheath. For example, it may be desirable for the blade to rotate in one direction as the blade initially extends from and retracts within the outer sheath, then rotate in an opposite direction upon subsequent extension and retraction during the same actuation of the surgical device. The present disclosure discusses a surgical device that has a barrel cam cylinder in the handle assembly that imparts rotation of the blade and a separate cam mechanism in the tip of outer sheath assembly that imparts and controls the extension and retraction of the blade. The barrel cam cylinder and cam mechanism cooperate such that (1) upon a first actuation of the device, the barrel cam cylinder rotates in a first direction, thereby causing the blade to rotate in the first direction while the blade extends and retracts, and (2) upon a second actuation of the device, the barrel cam cylinder rotates in a second direction, thereby causing the blade to rotate in the second direction while the blade extends and retracts. Alternating the direction of rotation in conjunction with the extension and retraction of the blade during rotation creates a slicing action that minimizes the potential for the blade to become jammed in the surrounding tissue.

A device in accordance with this disclosure for removing an implanted object from a body vessel, may comprise a sheath assembly comprising an outer sheath assembly and an inner sheath assembly, and a pin, the outer sheath assembly comprising an outer sheath and an outer band, the outer band coupled to the pin, the inner sheath assembly comprising an inner sheath and a tip, wherein the tip has a cutting surface, the inner sheath comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the inner sheath is coupled to the tip, the tip comprising a cam slot for receipt of and cooperation with the pin, and a handle assembly comprising a trigger and a barrel cam cylinder, the trigger comprising a trigger pin, the barrel cam cylinder comprising a barrel cam cylinder slot for receipt and cooperation with the trigger pin, wherein the proximal end of the inner sheath is coupled to the barrel cam cylinder such that (1) upon a first actuation of the trigger to proximally move the trigger pin in a longitudinal direction, the barrel cam cylinder rotates in a first direction, thereby causing the tip to rotate in the first direction while the tip moves longitudinally; and (2) upon a second actuation of the trigger to proximally move the trigger pin in the longitudinal direction, the barrel cam cylinder rotates in a second direction, thereby causing the tip to rotate in the second direction while the tip moves longitudinally.

A device in accordance with this disclosure for removing an implanted object from a body vessel, may comprise a sheath comprising a proximal end and a distal end, a tip coupled to the distal end of the sheath, wherein the tip has a cutting surface, a handle assembly rotatably carrying the sheath, the handle assembly comprising a trigger comprising a trigger pin; and a barrel cam assembly comprising a barrel cam cylinder comprising a barrel cam cylinder slot for receipt and cooperation with the trigger pin, the barrel cam cylinder slot comprising a first slot portion and a second slot portion; a follower guide rotatably carried by the barrel cam cylinder; wherein upon a first actuation of the trigger to proximally move the trigger pin in a longitudinal direction, the follower guide urges the trigger pin to traverse the first slot portion, thereby causing the barrel cam cylinder and the tip to rotate in the first direction; and wherein upon a second actuation of the trigger to proximally move the trigger pin in a longitudinal direction, the follower guide urges the trigger pin to traverse the second slot portion, thereby causing the barrel cam cylinder and the tip to rotate in the second direction.

A device in accordance with this disclosure for removing an implanted object from a body vessel, may comprise a sheath assembly comprising an outer sheath assembly and an inner sheath assembly, and a pin, the outer sheath assembly comprising an outer sheath and an outer band, the outer band coupled to the pin, wherein at least a portion of the outer sheath comprises an outer hypotube, the inner sheath assembly comprising an inner sheath and a tip, wherein the tip has a cutting surface, wherein at least a portion of the outer sheath comprises an inner hypotube, the inner sheath comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the inner sheath is coupled to the tip, the tip comprising a cam slot for receipt of and cooperation with the pin, and a handle assembly comprising a trigger and a barrel cam cylinder, the trigger comprising a trigger pin, the barrel cam cylinder comprising a barrel cam cylinder slot for receipt and cooperation with the trigger pin, wherein the proximal end of the inner sheath is coupled to the barrel cam cylinder such that (1) upon a first actuation of the trigger to proximally move the trigger pin in a longitudinal direction, the barrel cam cylinder rotates in a first direction, thereby causing the tip to rotate in the first direction while the tip moves longitudinally and (2) upon a second actuation of the trigger to proximally move the trigger pin in the longitudinal direction, the barrel cam cylinder rotates in a second direction, thereby causing the tip to rotate in the second direction while the tip moves longitudinally. Because the inner sheath and outer sheath are constructed of laser-cut hypotubes, the surgical device, particularly the sheath assembly has a smaller overall profile, which improves the surgical devices ability to navigate smaller sized vasculature.

A device according to paragraph [0018], wherein the outer sheath assembly is stationary and the inner sheath assembly is capable of rotating.

A device according to any of paragraphs [0018] to [0019], wherein the pin couples the tip of the inner sheath assembly to the outer band of the outer sheath assembly.

A device according to any of paragraphs [0018] to [0020], wherein the handle assembly further comprises a spring assembly coupled to the trigger.

A device according to any of paragraphs [0018] to [0021], wherein the spring is a constant force spring.

A device according to any of paragraphs [0018] to [0022], wherein the outer hypotube is laser cut and wherein the inner hypotube is laser cut.

A device according to any of paragraphs [0018] to [0023], wherein the outer hypotube comprises a first outer segment and a second outer segment and wherein the inner hypotube comprises a first inner segment and a second inner segment.

A device according to any of paragraphs [0018] to [0024], wherein the first outer segment is distal the second outer segment and wherein the first inner segment is distal the second inner segment.

A device according to any of paragraphs [0018] to [0025], wherein the first outer segment has a first outer flexibility and a first outer length and the second outer segment has a second outer flexibility and a second outer length and wherein the first inner segment has a first inner flexibility and a first inner length and the second inner segment has a second inner flexibility and a second inner length, wherein the first outer flexibility is greater than the second outer flexibility, and wherein the first inner flexibility is greater than the second inner flexibility.

A device according to any of paragraphs [0018] to [0026], wherein the first outer flexibility is consistent along the first outer length and the second outer flexibility is variable along the second outer length, and wherein the first inner flexibility is consistent along the first inner length and the second inner flexibility is variable along the second inner length.

A device according to any of paragraphs [0018] to [0027], wherein the first outer length is less than the first inner length.

A device according to any of paragraphs [0018] to [0028], wherein the first outer flexibility is less than the first inner flexibility.

A device according to any of paragraphs [0018] to [0029], wherein, wherein the second outer flexibility is less than the second inner flexibility.

A device according to any of paragraphs [0018] to [0030], wherein an inner distal end of the first inner length axially aligns with an outer distal end of the first outer length, wherein the first inner length is greater than the first outer length such that the first inner length axially overlaps the first outer length.

A device according to any of paragraphs [0018] to [0031], wherein the second outer length has an outer distal end and an outer proximal end, wherein the second inner length has an inner distal end and an inner proximal end, and wherein the outer distal end of the second inner length axially overlaps with the second outer distal end of the second outer length and a proximal end of a third outer length.

A device according to any of paragraphs [0018] to [0032], wherein the first inner segment has a constant pitch.

A device according to any of paragraphs [0018] to [0033], wherein the second inner segment has a variable pitch that increases from its distal end to its proximal end.

A device according to any of paragraphs [0018] to [0034], wherein the first outer segment has a constant pitch.

A device according to any of paragraphs [0018] to [0035], wherein the second outer segment has a variable pitch that increases from its distal end to its proximal end.

A device according to any of paragraphs [0018] to [0036], wherein the second outer segment has a variable angle that increases from its distal end to its proximal end.

The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together. When each one of A, B, and C in the above expressions refers to an element, such as X, Y, and Z, or class of elements, such as X₁-X_(n), Y₁-Y_(m), and Z₁-Z_(o), the phrase is intended to refer to a single element selected from X, Y, and Z, a combination of elements selected from the same class (e.g., X₁ and X₂) as well as a combination of elements selected from two or more classes (e.g., Y₁ and Z_(o)).

The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” may be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” may be used interchangeably.

A “barrel cam cylinder”, which is sometimes referred to as a “cylindrical cam”, typically includes a groove (slot or channel) cut into the surface of a cylinder, and a follower, such as a pin, which rides in the groove. A barrel cam cylinder is generally used to convert rotational motion to linear motion parallel to the rotational axis of the cylinder or to convert linear motion, parallel to the axis of the cylinder, to rotational motion. For the purposes of this disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the barrel cam cylinder may refer to the cylinder and the follower.

A “kerf” is a slit. For example, in this disclosure a slit may be made in the inner and outer sheaths, which can be constructed of hypotubes. The kerf may be made by using a laser, which cuts a slit in the hypotube.

A “lead” is a conductive structure, typically an electrically insulated coiled wire. The electrically conductive material may be any conductive material, with metals and intermetallic alloys common. The outer sheath of insulated material is biocompatible and bio stable (e.g., non-dissolving in the body) and generally includes organic materials such as polyurethane and polyimide. Lead types include, by way of non-limiting example, epicardial and endocardial leads. Leads are commonly implanted into a body percutaneously or surgically.

The term “means” as used herein shall be given its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C. Section 112(f). Accordingly, a claim incorporating the term “means” shall cover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein, and all of the equivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materials or acts and the equivalents thereof shall include all those described in the summary of the invention, brief description of the drawings, detailed description, abstract, and claims themselves.

A “serration” or “serrated edge” or “serrated blade” or other variations, as used herein, shall mean the configuration of a cutting surface having a notched edge or saw-like teeth. The notched edges create a plurality of smaller points that contact (and therefore less contact area with) the material being cut in comparison to an un-notched blade. Additionally, the pressure applied by each serrated point of contact is relatively greater and the points of contact are at a sharper angle to the material being cut. One example of a serrated blade may include one notch adjacent to and abutting another notch such that there is very little, if any, blade between such notches, thereby creating points of contact. There are multiple variations and/or features of serrations. For example, one type of serrated feature is referred to as a “crown.” As used herein, a serrated blade, or other variation, in the shape of a “crown,” shall mean a blade comprising a plurality of notches and adjacent un-notched areas such that the combination of notched and un-notched areas resembles a crown for a royal member (e.g., king, queen, etc.), particularly when the blade is circular. A further type of “crown” includes a “hook crown.” As used herein, a serrated blade, or other variation, in the shape of a “hook crown,” shall mean a blade comprising of a plurality of notches and adjacent un-notched areas, wherein the length of the un-notched areas ascend to the next adjacent point at an angle to increase the slicing action in one rotary direction and the notches are created at an angle to create a hook feature at the points to promote engagement with the tissue at the hook-shaped point.

A “surgical implant” or “implanted object” is a medical device manufactured to replace a missing biological structure, support, stimulate, or treat a damaged biological structure, or enhance, stimulate, or treat an existing biological structure. Medical implants are man-made devices, in contrast to a transplant, which is a transplanted biomedical tissue. In some cases implants contain electronics, including, without limitation, artificial pacemaker, defibrillator, electrodes, and cochlear implants. Some implants are bioactive, including, without limitation, subcutaneous drug delivery devices in the form of implantable pills or drug-eluting stents.

“Vasculature” or “vascular system” is any part of the circulatory system, which includes the heart, blood, and blood vessels such as arteries, veins and capillaries.

It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include each and every lower numerical limitation as an alternative, as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include each and every higher numerical limitation as an alternative, as if such higher numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every numerical range given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include each and every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.

The preceding is a simplified summary of the disclosure to provide an understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the disclosure and its various aspects, embodiments, and configurations. It is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of the disclosure but to present selected concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other aspects, embodiments, and configurations of the disclosure are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are incorporated into and form a part of the specification to illustrate several examples of the present disclosure. These drawings, together with the description, explain the principles of the disclosure. The drawings simply illustrate preferred and alternative examples of how the disclosure may be made and used and are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure to only the illustrated and described examples. Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following, more detailed, description of the various aspects, embodiments, and configurations of the disclosure, as illustrated by the drawings referenced below.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a human having a pacemaker lead located in the venous system and a terminating electrode anchored to the ventricular heart chamber, with an embodiment of a surgical device being shown inserted into the body and partly advanced over the lead;

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of an embodiment of a surgical device;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a sheath assembly within a blood vessel with an extendable and rotatable blade for removing a lead according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4A is an internal view of an embodiment of a handle assembly of the surgical device illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of an embodiment of a trigger for the handle assembly illustrated in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is an elevation view of an embodiment of the barrel cam cylinder for the handle assembly illustrated in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the barrel cam cylinder illustrated in FIG. 4C;

FIG. 4E is an end view of an embodiment of the barrel cam cylinder illustrated in FIG. 4C;

FIG. 4F is an enlarged perspective view of an embodiment of a spool for the handle assembly illustrated in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is an elevation view of the barrel cam cylinder illustrated in FIG. 4C in its home position;

FIG. 5B is an elevation view of the barrel cam cylinder illustrated in FIG. 4C upon being rotated to about 136.5 degrees in clockwise direction and/or counter-clockwise direction;

FIG. 5C is an elevation view of the barrel cam cylinder illustrated in FIG. 4C upon being rotated to about 273.1 degrees in clockwise direction;

FIG. 5D is an elevation view of the barrel cam cylinder illustrated in FIG. 4C upon being rotated to 307.6 degrees in a counter-clockwise direction and toward its home position;

FIG. 5E is an end view of the barrel cam cylinder illustrated in FIG. 4E including an indication of the amount of angular rotation for the cam cutter at each of the barrel cam cylinder positions illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D;

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the sheath assembly;

FIG. 6A is a break-away, elevation view of an embodiment of the distal end of the sheath assembly illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 6B is a break-away, elevation view of an embodiment of the proximal end of the sheath assembly illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 7A is an elevation view of an embodiment of the outer sheath assembly;

FIG. 7B is an elevation view of an embodiment of the inner sheath assembly;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the sheath assembly illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the distal end of the inner sheath assembly located within the outer sheath assembly illustrated in FIG. 8, wherein the blade is retracted and located within the outer sheath assembly;

FIG. 8A′ is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the distal end of the inner sheath assembly located within the outer sheath assembly illustrated in FIG. 8, wherein the blade is extended and located outside the outer sheath assembly;

FIG. 8B is a distal end view of the inner sheath assembly located within the outer sheath assembly illustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 8C is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the inner key of the inner sheath assembly located within the outer key of the outer sheath assembly illustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an outer band member according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 9B is an end view of the outer band member illustrated in FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9C is cross-sectional view of the outer band member illustrated in FIG. 9A taken along line 9C-9C of FIG. 9B;

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a cutting tip according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 10B is side view of the cutting tip illustrated in FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10C is end view of the cutting tip member illustrated in FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10D is cross-sectional view of the cutting tip illustrated in FIG. 10A taken along line 10D-10D in FIG. 10C;

FIG. 11 is an illustration of the cam slot profile of the cutting tip and the cam slot of the barrel cam cylinder depicting the longitudinal position of the cutting tip in combination with the longitudinal position of the trigger for a particular amount of angular rotation by both the cutting tip and the barrel cam cylinder;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a human having a pacemaker lead located in the venous system and a terminating electrode anchored to the ventricular heart chamber, with an embodiment of a surgical device being shown inserted into the body and partly advanced over the lead;

FIG. 13 is an elevation view of an embodiment of a surgical device;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a sheath assembly within a blood vessel with an extendable and rotatable blade for removing a lead according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 15A is an internal view of an embodiment of a handle assembly of the surgical device illustrated in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15B is a perspective view of an embodiment of a trigger for the handle assembly illustrated in FIG. 15A;

FIG. 15C is an elevation view of an embodiment of the barrel cam assembly for the handle assembly illustrated in FIG. 15A;

FIG. 15D is an elevation view of a barrel cam cylinder of the barrel cam assembly illustrated in FIG. 15C;

FIG. 15E is an illustration of the cam slot profile of the cam slot of the barrel cam cylinder illustrated in FIG. 15D;

FIG. 15F is a longitudinal-sectional view of the barrel cam cylinder illustrated in FIG. 15D;

FIG. 15G is a cross-sectional view of the barrel cam cylinder illustrated in FIG. 15D;

FIG. 15H is an elevation view of a follower guide of the barrel cam assembly illustrated in FIG. 15C

FIG. 15I is an illustration of the aperture profile of the follower guide illustrated in FIG. 15H;

FIG. 15J is an end view of the barrel cam assembly of FIG. 15C illustrating a relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism in a first relative rotation-inhibiting position;

FIG. 15K is an end view of the barrel cam assembly of FIG. 15C illustrating the relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism in a second relative rotation-inhibiting position;

FIG. 15L is an enlarged perspective view of an embodiment of a spring assembly for the handle assembly illustrated in FIG. 15A;

FIG. 16 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the sheath assembly;

FIG. 16A is a break-away, elevation view of an embodiment of the distal end of the sheath assembly illustrated in FIG. 16;

FIG. 16B is a break-away, elevation view of an embodiment of the proximal end of the sheath assembly illustrated in FIG. 16;

FIG. 17A is an elevation view of an embodiment of the outer sheath assembly;

FIG. 17B is an elevation view of an embodiment of the inner sheath assembly;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the sheath assembly illustrated in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the distal end of the inner sheath assembly located within the outer sheath assembly illustrated in FIG. 18, wherein the blade is retracted and located within the outer sheath assembly;

FIG. 18A′ is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the distal end of the inner sheath assembly located within the outer sheath assembly illustrated in FIG. 18, wherein the blade is extended and located outside the outer sheath assembly;

FIG. 18B is a distal end view of the inner sheath assembly located within the outer sheath assembly illustrated in FIG. 18;

FIG. 18C is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the inner key of the inner sheath assembly located within the outer key of the outer sheath assembly illustrated in FIG. 18;

FIG. 19A is a perspective view of an outer band member according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 19B is an end view of the outer band member illustrated in FIG. 19A;

FIG. 19C is cross-sectional view of the outer band member illustrated in FIG. 19A taken along line 19C-19C of FIG. 19B;

FIG. 20A is a perspective view of a cutting tip according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 20B is side view of the cutting tip illustrated in FIG. 20A;

FIG. 20C is end view of the cutting tip member illustrated in FIG. 20A;

FIG. 20D is cross-sectional view of the cutting tip illustrated in FIG. 20A taken along line 20D-20D in FIG. 20C;

FIG. 21 depicts two-dimensional illustrations of a profile of a cam slot of an embodiment of a cutting tip, a profile of a cam slot of an embodiment of a barrel cam cylinder, and a profile of an aperture of an embodiment of a follower guide;

FIG. 22A is an illustration of the cam slot profile of the cutting tip, the cam slot of the barrel cam cylinder, and the profile of the aperture of the follower guide depicting the longitudinal position of the cutting tip in combination with the longitudinal position of the trigger for a particular amount of angular rotation by both the cutting tip and the barrel cam cylinder; the follower guide is illustrated in a first relative rotation-inhibiting position compared to the barrel cam cylinder;

FIG. 22B is another illustration of the cam slot profile of the cutting tip, the cam slot of the barrel cam cylinder, and the profile of the aperture of the follower guide depicting the longitudinal position of the cutting tip in combination with the longitudinal position of the trigger for a particular amount of angular rotation by both the cutting tip and the barrel cam cylinder; the follower guide is illustrated in a second relative rotation-inhibiting position compared to the barrel cam cylinder;

FIG. 22C is another illustration of the cam slot profile of the cutting tip, the cam slot of the barrel cam cylinder, and the profile of the aperture of the follower guide depicting the longitudinal position of the cutting tip in combination with the longitudinal position of the trigger for a particular amount of angular rotation by both the cutting tip and the barrel cam cylinder; the follower guide is again illustrated in the first relative rotation-inhibiting position compared to the barrel cam cylinder;

FIG. 23A is an elevation view of the barrel cam assembly illustrated in FIG. 15C in its first home position;

FIG. 23B is an elevation view of the barrel cam assembly illustrated in FIG. 15C upon being rotated away from its first home position;

FIG. 23C is an elevation view of the barrel cam assembly illustrated in FIG. 15C upon being rotated further away from its first home position;

FIG. 23D is an elevation view of the barrel cam assembly illustrated in FIG. 15C in its second home position;

FIG. 23E is an elevation view of the barrel cam assembly illustrated in FIG. 15C upon being rotated away from its second home position;

FIG. 23F is an elevation view of the barrel cam assembly illustrated in FIG. 15C upon being rotated further away from its second home position;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the barrel cam assembly for a surgical device;

FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the barrel cam assembly of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a side view of a barrel cam cylinder of the barrel cam assembly of FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 is a side view of a follower guide of the barrel cam assembly of FIG. 24;

FIG. 28 is another side view of the follower guide of FIG. 24;

FIG. 29 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the barrel cam assembly for a surgical device;

FIG. 30 is another partial perspective view of the barrel cam assembly of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the barrel cam assembly for a surgical device; a follower guide of the barrel cam assembly is translucent for illustrative purposes;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the barrel cam assembly for a surgical device; a follower guide of the barrel cam assembly is translucent for illustrative purposes;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the barrel cam assembly for a surgical device; hidden features are shown in light gray lines;

FIG. 34 is another perspective view of the barrel cam assembly of FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 depicts two-dimensional illustrations of a profile of a cam slot of an embodiment of a cutting tip, a profile of a cam slot of an embodiment of a barrel cam cylinder, and a profile of an aperture of an embodiment of a follower guide;

FIG. 36A is an illustration of the cam slot profile of the cutting tip, the cam slot of the barrel cam cylinder, and the profile of the aperture of the follower guide depicting the longitudinal position of the cutting tip in combination with the longitudinal position of the trigger for a particular amount of angular rotation by both the cutting tip and the barrel cam cylinder; the follower guide is illustrated in a first relative rotation-inhibiting position compared to the barrel cam cylinder;

FIG. 36B is another illustration of the cam slot profile of the cutting tip, the cam slot of the barrel cam cylinder, and the profile of the aperture of the follower guide depicting the longitudinal position of the cutting tip in combination with the longitudinal position of the trigger for a particular amount of angular rotation by both the cutting tip and the barrel cam cylinder; the follower guide is illustrated in a second relative rotation-inhibiting position compared to the barrel cam cylinder;

FIG. 36C is another illustration of the cam slot profile of the cutting tip, the cam slot of the barrel cam cylinder, and the profile of the aperture of the follower guide depicting the longitudinal position of the cutting tip in combination with the longitudinal position of the trigger for a particular amount of angular rotation by both the cutting tip and the barrel cam cylinder; the follower guide is again illustrated in the first relative rotation-inhibiting position compared to the barrel cam cylinder;

FIG. 37 depicts a two-dimensional illustration of a profile of a cam slot of an embodiment of a barrel cam cylinder;

FIG. 38 is an elevation view of an embodiment of a distal end of the sheath assembly;

FIG. 38A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the distal end of the sheath assembly in FIG. 38, including the inner sheath assembly located within the outer sheath assembly illustrated, wherein the blade is retracted and located within the outer sheath assembly;

FIG. 39 is a break-away, elevation view of an embodiment of the distal end of the sheath assembly illustrated in FIG. 38 and FIG. 38A;

FIG. 40 is an elevation view of an embodiment of a distal end of the outer sheath assembly;

FIG. 40A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the distal end of the outer sheath assembly in FIG. 40;

FIG. 41 is an elevation view of an embodiment of a distal end of the inner sheath assembly;

FIG. 41A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the distal end of the inner sheath assembly in FIG. 41;

FIG. 42 is an elevation view of a hypotube for use as an outer sheath;

FIG. 42A is a cross-sectional view of the hypotube taken along line A-A in FIG. 42;

FIG. 42B is an enlarged view of a segment of the hypotube taken about circle B in FIG. 42;

FIG. 43 is an elevation view of a hypotube for use as an inner sheath;

FIG. 43A is a cross-sectional view of the hypotube taken along line A-A in FIG. 43;

FIG. 43B is an enlarged view of a segment of the hypotube taken about circle B in FIG. 43;

FIG. 44 is an enlarged view of the hypotube of FIG. 42 and/or the hypotube of FIG. 43 depicting the angle (Θ) of a kerf imparted within the respective hypotubes;

FIG. 45A is a block diagram depicting the axial alignment of segments of the outer sheath (outer hypotube) with respect to the inner sheath (inner hypotube);

FIG. 45B is an alternative block diagram depicting the axial alignment of segments of the outer sheath (outer hypotube) with respect to the inner sheath (inner hypotube);

FIG. 45C is another alternative block diagram depicting the axial alignment of segments of the outer sheath (outer hypotube) with respect to the inner sheath (inner hypotube);

FIG. 45D is a further alternative block diagram depicting the axial alignment of segments of the outer sheath (outer hypotube) with respect to the inner sheath (inner hypotube).

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

Embodiments according to this disclosure provide a surgical device that includes a sheath assembly, which can be deployed safely within a vascular system of a patient and separate implanted objects, such as leads, from a patient's vasculature system. FIG. 1 depicts a surgical device 106 having a sheath assembly 112 inserted within an exemplary patient 104. The sheath assembly 112 surrounds an implanted lead (not shown) running along the left innominate vein past the SVC and connected into, or about, the right ventricle of the heart. Upon surrounding the lead with the sheath assembly 112, the user of the surgical device 106 may actuate the handle assembly 108, thereby rotating and extending a cutting blade (not shown) beyond the distal end of the sheath assembly 112 to dilate, separate and/or cut the tissue surrounding the lead within the patient's SVC.

The cutting blade may extend from and retract into the sheath multiple times upon actuation of the handle assembly according to the profile of the cam slot in the cutting tip disclosed below. The cutting blade may also rotate in both a clockwise and counter-clockwise direction per the profile of the cam slot in the barrel cam cylinder discussed below. When the clinician releases the handle assembly, the cutting blade is ensured to remain or return within the sheath assembly 112, thereby allowing the clinician to force and advance the distal portion of the sheath assembly against additional uncut tissue. The clinician repeats the actuation step, thereby causing the cutting blade to re-appear and extend beyond the distal end of the sheath assembly 112 to cut the adjacent tissue. Each time actuation occurs, the proximal portion of the implanted lead and/or surrounding tissue enters further into a hollow passageway within the sheath assembly 112. This process is again repeated until the implanted lead and/or surrounding tissue is completely or substantially dilated, separated, and/or cut from the tissue attached to the SVC. At that time, the implanted lead may safely be removed from the patient's SVC.

With reference to FIG. 2, an exemplary surgical device 106 is depicted. The surgical device 106 includes a handle assembly 108 and a flexible sheath assembly 112. The flexible sheath assembly 112, which is discussed in more detail below, generally includes a flexible inner sheath assembly (not shown) located within a flexible outer sheath assembly. It may be preferable for the outer sheath to remain stationary while the inner sheath is capable of moving (e.g., rotating and extending) with respect to the outer sheath. The inner sheath and outer sheath can both be flexible, rigid or a combination thereof.

With reference to FIG. 4A, an exemplary handle assembly is depicted. The handle assembly 108 may include some or all of the following components: a handle frame 404, a trigger 408, a spring assembly 412, a strain relief component 416, a barrel cam cylinder 420, a bushing 424 and an end cap 427. The handle frame 404 may be constructed of a singular component or multiple component, such as two halves as illustrated in FIG. 4A.

Referring to FIG. 4B, an exemplary trigger 408 is illustrated. The trigger 408 depicted in FIG. 4A includes one opening 430 into which a clinician can insert his/her fingers. A trigger, however, may have more than one opening. Additionally, a trigger may also be comprised of a straight or non-linear member without any openings. Furthermore, a trigger may be in the shape of a button capable of being depressed. As long as the trigger, either alone or in conjunction with the handle frame, is ergonomically correct and comfortable for the clinician, the trigger may have a variety of sizes and shapes.

The trigger 408 illustrated in FIG. 4B includes a trigger pin 428 that extends vertically from the top of the trigger 408. The trigger pin 428 may be formed of a metal, such as a copper alloy (for example, brass or bronze, particularly C 630 nickel aluminum bronze), and may include a frusto-conically shaped end to facilitate insertion into the handle frame 404. The trigger pin 428, which cooperates with the groove in the barrel cam cylinder 420, acts as a follower for the barrel cam. The trigger 408 also includes a pair of sliders 432 protruding laterally from the proximal end of the trigger 408 and a pair of sliders 436 protruding laterally from the distal end of the trigger 408. When the trigger 408 is located within the handle assembly 108, the sliders 432, 436 sit and slide in corresponding grooves within the handle frame 404. The trigger 408 also includes a post 440 extending vertically from the top of trigger 408, and preferably from the distal end of the top of the trigger 408. The post 440 connects to spring assembly 412.

The handle assembly 108, including the trigger 408 and barrel cam cylinder 420 discussed above is an example of a mechanical actuation means to rotate the inner sheath assembly. In an alternate embodiment, the actuation means may comprise electromechanical components. For example, the actuation means may comprise an electric motor (not shown) having a driven shaft that is directly or indirectly coupled to the inner sheath, the barrel cam cylinder, the trigger pin, and/or any combination thereof. The motor's shaft may be indirectly coupled to the inner sheath by one or more gears discussed hereinbefore. The motor may be controlled by a switch, thereby causing the inner sheath to rotate in a clockwise and/or a counter-clockwise direction upon actuating a switch that may also act as the trigger. The electric motor may be either a direct current (DC) motor or an alternating current (AC) motor. Accordingly, the motor may be powered by a DC source, such as a battery, or an AC source, such as a conventional power cord. Additionally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous other ways in which a surgical device comprising a rotatable sheath may be actuated and driven.

As mentioned above, the handle assembly 108 may include a strain relief component 416. The strain relief component 416, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, is attached to the distal end of the handle frame 404 and tapers from its proximal end toward its distal end. The strain relief component 416 also has a lumen passing through it, thereby allowing the sheath assembly 112 to extend there through and into the handle assembly 108. The strain relief component 416 may be constructed of a flexible material such as, Santoprene™ thermoplastic vulcanizate produced by ExxonMobil. The material from which the strain relief component is made and the shape of the strain relief component provide a flexural modulus to protect the flexible shaft as it extends the rigid handle. The lumen of the strain relief may also contain a counter bore that enables ancillary outer sheaths to be docked during device preparations.

Referring to FIGS. 4C, 4D and 4E, there is depicted an elevation view, cross-sectional view and end view of the barrel cam cylinder 420, respectively. As illustrated in FIGS. 4C and 4D, the barrel cam cylinder 420 has an exterior surface comprising a cam slot (or channel) 444 that cooperates with the trigger pin 428 to create the barrel cam. The cam slot 444 may create a two dimensional linear and/or non-linear cam profile, which is discussed in further detail below. The barrel cam cylinder 420 has a proximal end 448 and a distal end 452 through which a lumen 456 extends.

FIG. 4E illustrates the end view of the distal end 452 of the barrel cam cylinder 420. The distal end 452 of the lumen 456 of the barrel cam cylinder 420 is designed to mate with exterior of the proximal end of the inner key 612, which is discussed in further detail below. The cross section of the distal end 452 of the lumen 456 of the barrel cam cylinder 420 is preferably non-circular. For example, one embodiment of a non-circular lumen includes two chamfered sides 464, wherein one chamfered side 464 is not offset, and the other chamfered side 464 is offset (e.g., about 8 degrees). Because the distal end of the barrel cam cylinder 420 is designed to mate with exterior of the proximal end of the inner key 612 and transfer torque from the barrel cam cylinder 420 to the inner sheath assembly via the inner key 612, the cross section of the exterior of proximal end of the inner key 612 will have a complimentary profile of the lumen 456. Although the cross sectional shape of the non-circular lumen is described as having two chamfered sides 464, the disclosure shall not be limited to such shape and may include alternative non-circular shapes, such as a square, rectangle, D-shape, triangle, rhombus, trapezoid, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, parallelogram, ellipse, etc. Alternatively, the inner key could couple to the outside of the barrel cam cylinder.

The proximal end of the barrel cam cylinder 420 mates with the bushing 424. Specifically, the exterior, distal end of the bushing 424 is located within the proximal end of the lumen 456. Both the exterior, distal end of the bushing 424 and the proximal end of the lumen 456 are circularly shaped, thereby allowing the bushing 424 and the barrel cam cylinder 420 to rotate with respect to one another. The proximal end of the exterior of the bushing 424, however, is located within a groove within the handle frame 404, thereby preventing the bushing 424 and the barrel cam cylinder 420 from moving longitudinally within the handle assembly 108.

Referring to FIG. 4F, an exemplary spring assembly 412 is depicted. The spring assembly 412 includes a constant force spring 472 and a spool 474. One end of the constant force spring 472 is connected to the spool 474, and the other end of the constant force spring 472 is connected to the post 440 extending from the trigger 408. As a clinician pulls the trigger 408 proximally, the sliders 432, 436 travel and slide in the grooves within the handle frame 404, thereby preventing the trigger 408 from moving vertically within the handle assembly 108 and only allowing the trigger 408 to move along the longitudinal axis of the surgical device 106 from its distal end toward its proximal end and/or vice versa. As the trigger 408 moves proximally, the constant force spring 472 uncoils, thereby creating tension and a distally directed force. Accordingly, when the trigger 408 is released by the clinician, the constant force spring 472 recoils and pulls the trigger 408 back towards its original and most distal position.

Referring to FIG. 6, there is depicted an elevation view of an embodiment of an assembled sheath assembly 112 of the present disclosure. The sheath assembly 112 includes an inner sheath assembly and an outer sheath assembly. Referring to FIG. 6A, which illustrates an exploded view of the distal end of the sheath assembly 112, and referring to FIG. 6B, which is an exploded illustration of the proximal end and central portion of the sheath assembly 112, the sheath assembly 112 may include may include some or all of the following components: an outer band 636; a guide pin 640; a cutting tip 632; a flexible inner sheath 620; a flexible outer sheath 624; an outer jacket 628; an inner key 612; an outer key 608; and a rigid inner tube 616.

Referring to FIG. 7A, there is depicted an embodiment of the outer sheath assembly 602 of the present disclosure. The outer sheath assembly 602 includes an outer band 636 located at and attached to the distal end of an elongated flexible outer sheath 624, and an outer key 608 located at and attached to the proximal end of the flexible outer sheath 624. The outer band 636 may be attached to the distal end of a flexible outer sheath 624 via a weld, an adhesive, a press-fitting technique, an interlock such as a barbed joint or other known means of attachment. All such attachment techniques within the knowledge of one skilled in the art are considered within the scope of this disclosure. Similarly, the outer key 608 may be attached to the proximal end of the flexible outer sheath 624 via a weld, an adhesive, a press-fitting technique, interlock such as a barbed joint, or other known means of attachment. Although it is not shown on FIG. 7A, the outer sheath assembly may also include a flexible outer jacket 628 that covers the outer sheath 624 and abuts the outer band 636, thereby providing the outer sheath assembly with a relatively smooth, continuous and uninterrupted exterior profile. The flexible jacket also contains the egress of blood from the system.

Referring to FIG. 7B, there is depicted an embodiment of the inner sheath assembly 604 of the present disclosure. The inner sheath assembly 604 includes a cutting tip 632, a flexible inner sheath 620, an inner key 612, and a rigid inner tube 616. The proximal end of the cutting tip 632 is attached to the distal end of a flexible inner sheath 620; the distal end of an inner tube 616 is attached to the proximal end of the flexible inner sheath 620; and an inner key 612 is attached to the proximal end of the inner tube 616. The means of attaching these components may include a weld, an adhesive, a press-fitting technique, or other known means of attachment. As will be discussed below, the guide pin 640 couples the outer band 636 with the cutting tip 632, and the guide pin 640 may be includes with either the inner sheath assembly 604 or the outer sheath assembly 602.

It may be preferable for a portion of either the inner sheath 620 and/or the outer sheath 624 to be rigid and a portion of the outer sheath to be flexible. Both the rigid portion and the flexible portion may be constructed of materials suitable for insertion into the human body. For example, the rigid portion may be constructed of stainless steel, and the flexible portion may be constructed of a flexible polymer such as polytetrafluoroethylene or thermoplastic elastomers. Assuming that both a rigid portion and a flexible portion are used, they will form a unitary inner sheath and/or outer sheath. As depicted in FIG. 7B, the rigid inner tube 616 is not only attached to the inner key 612, the rigid tube 616 also is inserted through the inner key 612 and extends from both the proximal end and distal end of the inner key 612. The attachment and extension of the rigid tube 616 to the inner key 612 allows for an increased amount of torque that can be transferred from the barrel cam to the rigid tube 616 via the inner key 612 and eventually to the cutting tip 632 via the inner sheath assembly 604. The extension of the rigid tube through the handle provides an access point for introduction of other medical devices. The extension also provides a means of controlling blood egress after the lead has been extracted.

It may be preferable that at least a portion of the outer sheath 624 and the inner sheath 620 be generally flexible in order to accept, accommodate and navigate the patient's vasculature system. In addition to being flexible, the inner sheath 620 may also have a high degree of stiffness in order to receive the torque transferred from the barrel cam cylinder/inner key and transfer sufficient torque to the cutting tip 632 discussed in more detail below. The inner sheath 620 (and/or the outer sheath 624) may be formed of a polymer extrusion, braided reinforced polymer extrusion, coils, bi-coils, tri-coils, laser cut metal tubing and any combination of the above. The inner sheath (and/or the outer sheath 624) may be a unitary structure comprised of multiple portions.

Referring to FIG. 8, there is depicted a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the sheath assembly 112 comprising the inner sheath assembly 604 located within the outer sheath assembly 602. Referring to FIG. 8C, there is depicted an enlarged view of the inner key 612 of the inner sheath assembly 604 located within the outer key 608 of the outer sheath assembly 602. As discussed above, the exterior of the inner key 612 is designed to mate with lumen 456 of the distal end of the barrel cam cylinder 420. Accordingly, the cross section of the exterior of proximal end of the inner key 612 will have a profile complimentary to the distal end of the lumen 456 within the barrel cam cylinder 420. For example, assuming the cross section of the distal end 452 of the lumen 456 of the barrel cam cylinder 420 is non-circular and has two chamfered sides, wherein one chamfered side is not offset, and the other chamfered side is offset (e.g., about 8 degrees), then the exterior of the proximal end of the inner key 612 will also have a non-circular profile with two chamfered sides, wherein one chamfered side is not offset, and the other chamfered side is offset (e.g., about 8 degrees). The inner key 612 and outer key 608 provide means for rotationally coupling. The inner key 612 is a means for rotationally coupling the inner sheath assembly 604 to the barrel cam, and the outer key is a means for rotationally coupling the outer shaft assembly to the handle. The inner key 612 and outer key 608 provide journal bearing for the other key.

As further illustrated in FIG. 8C, the inner key 612 is able to rotate freely within the outer key 608 due, at least in part, to the distal end of the exterior of the inner key 612 having a circular cross section that mates with a circular cross section of the proximal end of a lumen within the outer key 608. Additionally, because the inner key 612 and outer key 608 are loosely coupled, the inner key 612 and outer key 608 are able to move longitudinally with respect to one another. For instance, supposing the outer key 608 is fixed such that it neither rotates nor moves longitudinally, the inner key 612 is able to both rotate and travel longitudinally within the outer key 608. Accordingly, as the barrel cam cylinder 420 rotates, the inner key 612 will rotate within the outer key 608, and the inner sheath assembly 604 will rotate within the outer sheath assembly 602, including the rotation of the cutting tip 632 within the outer band 636. And the cam slot profile in the cutting tip 632 controls the longitudinal movement of the inner sheath assembly 604 within the outer sheath assembly 602, including the longitudinal movement of the inner key 612 relative to the outer key 608 and the longitudinal movement of the cutting tip 632 relative to the outer band 636.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 8C, the lumen within the outer key 608 is larger toward its proximal end and smaller toward its distal end because there is a step down or an abutment in the lumen as it progresses from the proximal end to the distal end. Due to the transition from a larger lumen to a smaller lumen within the outer key 608, there is depicted an adjustable gap 610 between the distal end of the inner key 612 and the abutment within the distal end of the larger lumen in the outer key 608. This gap increases, decreases and/or remains the same according to the cam slot profile of the cutting tip 632. The abutment in the outer key 608 insures that the inner key 612 will only travel a limited longitudinal distance within the outer key 608, thereby limiting the inner sheath assembly 604 potential longitudinal movement within the outer sheath assembly 602, including limiting the longitudinal movement of the cutting tip 632 relative to the outer band 636 in the distal direction.

Referring to FIG. 8A, there is depicted an enlarged cross-sectional view of the distal end of the sheath assembly 112 with the inner sheath assembly 604 coupled with the outer sheath assembly 602 via guide pin 640, wherein the blade 822 of the cutting tip 632 is in a retracted position and located within the outer sheath assembly 602. As discussed above, the distal end of the outer sheath assembly 602 includes an outer band 636, which may be constructed of a biocompatible metal, such as stainless steel, and polished so that it is generally smooth and evenly rounded at its most distal point, thereby allowing it to act as a dilator when pressed and forced against tissue. The distal end 822 of cutting tip 632 includes a cutting surface capable of cutting tissue. The inner sheath assembly 604 is coupled to the outer sheath assembly 602 through the cutting tip 632 and the outer band 636, respectively, via guide pin 640. One end of the guide pin 640 is fixed within the outer band 636, and the other end of the guide pin 640 is located within the cam slot 814 of the cutting tip 632. As the inner sheath 620 rotates, upon actuation of the trigger assembly discussed above, the cutting tip 632 also rotates because the inner sheath 620 is fixedly attached to the cutting tip 632. As the cutting tip 632 rotates, the cutting tip 632 may also extend distally in the direction of the arrow (→) according to the profile of the cam slot 814 as depicted in FIG. 8A′. As the cutting tip 632 extends distally and rotates, the guide pin 640 and the outer sheath assembly 602, particularly the outer band 636, remain stationary. Thus, as the cutting tip 632 extends distally (and potentially retracts proximally according to the cam slot profile) and rotates, the cutting surface at the distal end 822 of the cutting tip 632 is able to perform a slicing action against the tissue and cut it.

Again, FIG. 8A depicts the cutting tip 632 within a retracted (and potentially un-actuated) position because the cutting tip 632 is in a proximal position. Stated differently, the distal end 822 of the cutting tip 632 of FIG. 8A is located within the interior of the outer sheath assembly 602, particularly the outer band 636, and does not extend beyond the distal end of the outer band 636. With reference to FIG. 8A′, the cutting tip 632 is depicted in an extended (and actuated) position because the cutting tip 632 is extending beyond the distal end of the outer sheath assembly 602 and the outer band 636.

FIG. 3 depicts the distal portion of the flexible outer sheath and flexible inner sheath of FIG. 8A surrounding a lead 330 within a patient's vein 334 with the cutting tip 632 in its extended position. The circumferential nature of the cutting surface (e.g., notched blade) at the distal end of the cutting tip 632 causes the surgical device to act as a coring device, thereby cutting tissue 338 either partially (i.e., less than 360 degrees) or completely (i.e., 360 degrees) around the lead or implanted object being extracted. The amount of tissue that the cutting surface cuts depends upon the size, shape and configuration of the lead, as well as the diameter and thickness of the circular cutting blade. For example, if the diameter of the circular cutting surface is substantially greater than the diameter of the lead, then the cutting surface will cut and core more tissue in comparison to a cutting surface having a smaller diameter. Once the desired cut has been made, the operator releases trigger and the cutting tip 632 (including the cutting surface) returns to a retracted position. Upon the cutting surface returning to a retracted position, the distal tip of the outer band 636 (and/or other portions of the outer sheath assembly) safely acts as a dilating device, thereby stretching tissue as the outer sheath assembly move over the lead or implanted object to be extracted.

With each full squeeze of the trigger, the cutting tip (and inner sheath) will rotate clockwise and counterclockwise while extending and retracting. The cutting tip (and inner sheath) retracts into the tip of the outer sheath when the trigger is fully compressed and/or remains retracted at the release of the trigger after a full squeeze of the trigger. If the trigger is partially squeezed, it will not reset and the cutting tip (and inner sheath) will reverse its motion upon release of the trigger, returning the blade to the retracted position. The return to the fully returned trigger position results in a rotation of about 35 degrees that due to the profile at the distal cam, which retains the cutting in the sheathed position.

Although the inner sheath and outer sheath are coupled to one another via the cutting tip, the outer band, and the guide pin, the inner sheath assembly and outer sheath assembly may be coupled to one another in other ways. Stated differently, those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the disclosed aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations after understanding the present disclosure to couple the sheaths in a manner to allow a cutting surface to extend and rotate beyond the distal end of the outer sheath. All such configurations within the knowledge of one skilled in the art are considered within the scope of this disclosure.

With reference to FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C, an exemplary outer band 636 is depicted. The outer band 636 may be a sleeve in the general shape of a hollow cylinder. Although the exterior of the outer band 636 is non-uniform, it may be uniform. The interior of the outer band 636 is non-uniform. For example, the interior of the outer band 636 includes an abutment 916 to prevent the cutting tip (not shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C) from traveling further from the proximal end 912 to the distal end 908 within the outer band 636. The outer band 636 also includes a hole 904 for receipt and possible attachment of a guide pin (not shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C) which protrudes radially inward. As discussed in more detail above, the guide pin engages the cam slot of the cutting tip. The size, shape and configuration of the outer band 636 may differ depending upon how it is attached to the flexible outer sheath. As discussed above, the outer sheath may be stationary. If so, the outer band 636 and the guide pin remain stationary as the cutting tip moves (e.g., rotates and travel longitudinally) relative thereto. The outer band may also contain a journal bearing surface to align the cutting blade during actuation and provide a surface to disengage the tissue at the retraction of the cutting blade within the device.

With reference to FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D, an exemplary cutting tip 632 is depicted. The cutting tip 632 has a generally hollow cylindrical shape. The cutting tip 632 comprises a proximal portion 1024, an intermediate portion 1028, and a distal portion 1032. The outside diameter of the proximal portion 1024 is sized to allow it to be inserted to and/or engage (or otherwise attached to) the interior diameter of the inner flexible sheath (not shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D). The distal end of cutting tip 632 comprises a cutting surface 1012 having a serrated, sharp blade profile. The intermediate portion 1028 comprises a channel (or cam slot) 1016 cut within its exterior surface. As the inner flexible sheath rotates and moves within the outer sheath—from its proximal end to distal end—the outer sheath and pin may remain stationary. If so, the inner sheath (not shown), which is connected to cutting tip 632, forces the cutting tip 632 to rotate. The cam slot 1016 engages the guide pin, and the shape and profile of the cam slot 1016 controls the rate and distance with which the cutting tip 632 travels longitudinally. That is, the configuration of the cam slot 1016 controls the cutting tip's direction and amount of longitudinal travel, such as moving distally toward an extended position and/or proximally toward a retracted position, while the cutting tip 632 rotates in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.

Referring again to FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D, the cutting tip 632 may also comprise a step up 1020 such that the diameter of the intermediate portion 1028 is greater than the distal portion 1032. As the cutting tip 632 rotates, and the cutting surface 1012 extends beyond the distal end of the outer band into an extended position, the step up 1020 of the cutting tip 632 contacts the abutment of the outer band, thereby limiting the distance that the cutting tip 632 may travel and/or may prevent the cutting tip 632 from exiting or extending beyond the distal tip of the outer sheath assembly, particularly the outer band, in the event that the pin is sheared.

The profile of the cam slot in the cutting tip may have various configurations, such as those disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/834,405 filed Mar. 15, 2013 and entitled Retractable Blade For Lead Removal Device, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all that it teaches and for all purposes. For example, the cam slot may have a substantially linear profile, a substantially sinusoidal profile, or a combination of individual and/or multiple linear and non-linear profiles. Additionally, the cam slot may have an open and continuous configuration, thereby allowing the cutting tip to continuously rotate, or the cam slot may have a closed and discontinuous configuration such that when the cutting tip reaches its fully extended position, the trigger assembly must be released or reversed so that the cutting tip returns to initially retracted position before being re-actuated. For instance, the cam slot 1016 in FIG. 10A is discontinuous because the cam slot does not travel around the entire circumference of the exterior of the cutting tip 632. Although certain figures in this disclosure only illustrate either the open or closed cam slot configuration, either configuration may be used with any of the inner cam embodiments disclosed and/or discussed herein and are considered within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, various types of cams, such as a partial lobe cam (which includes a cam slot surrounding less than 360 degrees of the circumference of the exterior surface of the cutting tip), a single lobe cam (which includes a cam slot surrounding 360 degrees of the circumference of the exterior surface of the cutting tip), double lobe cams (which includes a cam slot surrounding 720 degrees of the circumference of the exterior surface of the cutting tip) and/or other multiple lobe cams.

The distal end of cutting tip 632 may comprise a cutting surface 1012 having different blade profiles, such as those disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/834,405 filed Mar. 15, 2013 and entitled Retractable Blade For Lead Removal Device, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all that it teaches and for all purposes. For example, the plane of the cutting surface 1012 of the distal end of the cutting tip depicted in the figures of this disclosure is parallel to the plane of the proximal end of the cutting tip. The plane of the cutting surface, however, may be offset (0 degrees to 90 degrees) from the plane of the proximal end of the cutting tip. Also, as discussed above, the profile of the cutting surface 1012 in FIGS. 10A-10D has a plurality of serrations. The profile of the cutting surface 1012 need not be serrated and may comprise other configurations, such as a constant and/or smooth sharp profile. The profile of the cutting surface 1012 in FIGS. 10A-10D has a plurality of six (6) serrations. However, it may be preferable to have less than or more than six (6) serrations. It may also be preferable to have between five (5) and seven (7) serrations, or between four (4) and eight (8) serrations, or between six (6) and ten (10) serrations.

Although the cutting surface 1012 illustrates a certain number of serrations, FIGS. 10A-10D are not intended to represent the only number and type of serrations that may be included in a serrated cutting surface. Depending upon the size of the surgical device, including the sheaths, and cutting tip, those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the disclosed aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations after understanding the present disclosure to adjust the number, size and configurations of the serrations. All such configurations within the knowledge of one skilled in the art are considered within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the serrations may comprise a myriad of different shapes and configurations, including but not limited to any variation of a square, rectangle, rhombus, parallelogram, trapezoid, triangle, circle, ellipse, kite, etc.

As discussed above, FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10D depict the intermediate portion 1028 of the cutting tip 632 having a cam slot (or channel) 1016 cut within its exterior surface, and FIGS. 4C and 4D depict the barrel cam cylinder 420 having a channel (or cam slot) 444 on its exterior surface that creates a non-linear cam profile. Referring to FIG. 11 there is depicted a two-dimensional illustration of the profile of the cam slot 1016 for the cutting tip 632 at the top of the figure and a two-dimensional illustration of the profile of the cam slot 444 for the barrel cam cylinder 420 at the bottom of the figure. The horizontal axis, which is the same for the top illustration and the bottom illustration, is the degree(s) of rotation of the cutting tip 632 and the barrel cam cylinder 420. For example, assuming that the profile of the cam slot 1016 in the cutting tip 632 is discontinuous, as depicted in FIG. 10A, the cutting tip 632 will rotate less than 360 degrees. It may be preferable for the cutting tip 632 to rotate between 5 and 355 degrees, 180 degrees and 355 degrees, 210 degrees and 325 degrees, 240 degrees and 295 degrees, or 270 degrees and 275 degrees. It may also be preferable for the cutting tip 632 rotate about 180, 185, 190, 200, 205, 210, 215, 220, 225, 230, 235, 240, 245, 250, 255, 260, 265, 270, 275, 280, 285, 290, 300, 305, 310, 315, 320, 325, 330, 335, 340, 345, 350 or 355 degrees. The first half of a trigger pull results in about a 273° rotation in one direction—clockwise when looking from the handle to the tip—thereby returning the cam blade to the sheathed position. The second half of the trigger pull results in about a 273° in the opposite direction—counter-clockwise when looking from the handle to the tip-thereby, returning the cutting blade to the sheathed position again. The blade remains in the sheathed position for the full return of the trigger to the forward position. The vertical axis for the top illustration is the amount of longitudinal movement, if any, of the cutting tip 632 including its cutting surface. The vertical axis for the bottom illustration is the amount of longitudinal displacement (in inches) of the trigger assembly (and trigger pin).

Referring to FIG. 11 in combination with FIGS. 5A-5E, the following discussion explains the interaction between the rotation of the barrel cam cylinder 420, the rotation of the cutting tip 632, the longitudinal movement of the handle (via the position of its trigger pin 428), and the longitudinal movement of the cutting tip 632. The following is a description of the positions CT1-CT6 of the guide pin 640 within the cam slot of the cutting tip 632:

-   -   CT1—the guide pin 640 is at its home position within the cam         slot 1016 of the cutting tip 632, and the cutting tip 632 is in         a retracted position within the outer sheath assembly 602         (including the outer band 636);     -   CT2—the cutting tip 632 has rotated in a clockwise direction         over the guide pin 640 within the cam slot 1016 for about half         of its predetermined rotation, and the cutting tip 632 is in its         most extended position outside the outer sheath assembly 602;     -   CT3—the cutting tip 632 has completed its rotation in a         clockwise direction over the guide pin 640 within the cam slot         1016, and the cutting tip 632 is in a retracted position within         the outer sheath assembly 602;     -   CT4—the cutting tip 632 has rotated in a counter-clockwise         direction over the guide pin 640 within the cam slot 1016 for         about half of its predetermined rotation, and the cutting tip         632 is in its most extended position outside the outer sheath         assembly 602;     -   CT5—(not shown) the cutting tip 632 has completed its rotation         in a counter-clockwise direction over the guide pin 640 within         the cam slot 1016, and the cutting tip 632 is in a retracted         position within the outer sheath assembly 602; and     -   CT6—the cutting tip 632 has completed its rotation in a         counter-clockwise direction over the guide pin 640 within the         cam slot 1016, and the cutting tip 632 is in its most retracted         position within the outer sheath assembly 602.

The positions CT1-CT6 of the guide pin 640 within the cam slot of the cutting tip 632 correspond with positions BC1-BC6 of the trigger pin 428 within the cam slot of the barrel cam cylinder 420. The following is a description of the positions BC1-BC6 of the trigger pin 428 within the cam slot of the barrel cam cylinder 420:

-   -   BC1—the trigger pin 428 (along with the trigger 408 of the         trigger assembly 106) is at its home position within the cam         slot 444 of the barrel cam cylinder 420;     -   BC2—the trigger pin 428 has moved longitudinally in a proximal         direction, thereby causing the barrel cam cylinder 420 to rotate         in a clockwise direction; at this point, the barrel cam cylinder         has rotated clockwise about half of its predetermined amount;     -   BC3—the trigger pin 428 has moved about half of its longitudinal         movement is continuing to move longitudinally in a proximal         direction and the barrel cam cylinder 420 has completed its         rotation in a clockwise direction;     -   BC4—the trigger pin 428 is moving longitudinally in a proximal         direction, thereby causing the barrel cam cylinder 420 to rotate         in a counter-clockwise direction; at this point, the barrel cam         cylinder has rotated counter-clockwise about half of its         predetermined amount;     -   BC5—the trigger pin 428 has moved about its entire longitudinal         movement in a proximal direction and the barrel cam cylinder 420         has completed its rotation in a counter-clockwise direction; and     -   BC6—the trigger pin 428 has moved longitudinally in a distal         direction, thereby causing the barrel cam cylinder 420 to rotate         any remaining amount in a counter-clockwise direction.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 11 and FIGS. 5A-5E, when the trigger assembly 106, particularly the trigger 408, is at its initial, distal position, the trigger pin 428 is at its home position (BC1). Referring to the top illustration of FIG. 11, at the time the trigger pin 428 is at its home position (BC1), the guide pin 640 in the sheath assembly 112 is at its initial position (CT1), and the cutting tip 632 is at a retracted (or recessed) position within the outer sheath assembly 602. Upon a clinician pulling the trigger 408 and moving the trigger pin 428 proximally, both the barrel cam cylinder 420 and the cutting tip 632 rotate in a clockwise direction (from the proximal perspective of barrel cam cylinder). Upon the cutting tip 632 rotating adjacent the guide pin 640 from position CT1 to CT2, the profile of the cam slot in the cutting tip 632 causes the cutting tip 632 to move longitudinally in a distal direction from a retracted position to an extended position. When the trigger pin 428 is at position BC2, (i) the barrel cam cylinder 420 and the cutting tip 632 have rotated about half of its predetermined allowable rotation in the clockwise direction, (ii) the guide pin 640 is at position CT2, and (iii) the cutting tip 632 is at its most extended position.

As the clinician continues to pull the trigger, the trigger pin 428 continues to move proximally, and the barrel cam cylinder 420 and the cutting tip 632 continue to rotate in a clockwise direction. Specifically, the cutting tip 632 rotates adjacent the guide pin 640, and the profile of the cam slot in cutting tip 632 causes the cutting tip 632 to move longitudinally from position CT2, which is an extended position, to CT3, which is a recessed position. When the trigger pin 428 is at position BC3, (i) the barrel cam cylinder 420 and the cutting tip 632 have rotated about half of their predetermined allowable rotation in in the clockwise direction, (ii) the guide pin 640 is at position CT3, and (iii) the cutting tip 632 is at a retracted position within the outer sheath assembly 602 (including the outer band 636).

Referring to the top illustration of FIG. 11, the cam slot in the cutting tip 632 extends beyond position CT3. As discussed above, the inner sheath assembly and outer sheath assembly may both be flexible. In order to accommodate for the potentially additional length created by the flexing of the sheath assemblies, as well as accommodating for manufacturing tolerances, the cam slot 1016 in the cutting tip 632 extends beyond position CT3. For example, if during use of the surgical device, the home position of the guide pin 640 is slightly to the right of position CT1, rather than exactly at position CT1, then the extended length of the cam slot allows the guide pin 640 to travel to the right of position CT3, thereby allowing the cutting tip to rotate its total amount of allowable rotation in the clockwise direction without obstruction.

As the trigger pin 428 moves from position BC1 to BC3 in the barrel cam cylinder 420, and the barrel cam cylinder 420 rotates in a clockwise direction, the trigger pin 428 rides along the inside edge of the cam slot 444 in the barrel cam cylinder 420. However, when the trigger pin 428 moves from position BC3 to BC5 in the barrel cam cylinder, the barrel cam cylinder 420 rotates in a counter-clockwise direction, and the trigger pin 428 rides along the outside edge of the cam slot 444 in the barrel cam cylinder 420.

When the guide pin 640 reaches position CT3 in the cutting tip 632 and the trigger pin 428 reaches position BC3 in the barrel cam cylinder 420, the trigger assembly 106, particularly the trigger 408, has only travelled about half of its predetermined allowable distance in the longitudinal direction. As the user continues to pull the trigger assembly 106, the trigger 408 and trigger pin 428 continue to move proximally. As this occurs, the barrel cam cylinder 420 and the cutting tip 632 switch from rotating in a clockwise direction to rotating in a counter-clockwise direction. And because the cutting tip 632 switches from rotating in a clockwise direction to a counter-clockwise direction as the cutting tip 632 moves past position CT3 to CT4 adjacent the guide pin 640, the cutting tip 632 moves from a retracted position within the outer sheath assembly 602 (including the outer band 636) to an extended position or partially extended position outside the outer sheath assembly 602 (including the outer band 636). When the trigger pin 428 is at position BC4, (i) the barrel cam cylinder 420 and the cutting tip 632 have rotated counter-clockwise for slightly less than half (or half) of its predetermined allowable distance, (ii) the guide pin 640 is at position CT4, and (iii) the cutting tip 632 is at its most extended position.

As the user pulls the trigger 408 further, the trigger pin 428 continues to move proximally from position BC4 to position BC5 in the barrel cam cylinder 420, thereby causing the barrel cam cylinder 420 and cutting tip 632 to continue rotating in a counter-clockwise direction. Specifically, the cutting tip 632 rotates adjacent the guide pin 640 from position CC4 toward CC6, and the profile of the cam slot in the cutting tip 632 causes the cutting tip 632 to move from an extended position to a retracted position. When the trigger pin 428 is located at position BC5 in cam slot of the barrel cam cylinder 420, the trigger 408 has reached the end of its longitudinal movement in the proximal direction. Upon the trigger pin 428 surpassing position BC5 in the cam slot of the barrel cam cylinder 420, the constant force spring causes the trigger 408 and trigger pin 428 to reverse direction and travel toward its distal position.

As discussed above, for a discontinuous cam slot in the cutting tip 432, the cutting tip 432 rotates less than 360 degrees in either the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. Assuming that the predetermined amount of allowable rotation is about 275 degrees, the amount of angular rotation by the barrel cam cylinder 420 in the clockwise direction from BC1 to BC3 and by the cutting tip 632 from CT1 to CT3 is about 275 degrees. The amount of angular rotation by the barrel cam cylinder 420 in the counter-clockwise direction from BC3 to BC5 and the cutting tip 632 from CT3 to CT3 is greater than 275 degrees by about nine degrees. This additional rotation (or over rotation) by the barrel cam cylinder 420 and the cutting tip 632 in the counter-clockwise direction ensures that the cutting tip 632, including its cutting surface, is covered by the outer sheath assembly 602, particularly the outer band 636. Upon the trigger 408 reaching the end of its longitudinal movement in the proximal direction at position BC5, the barrel cam cylinder 420 and cutting tip 632 continue to move in a counter-clockwise direction to position BC6 and position CT6, respectively. Specifically, barrel cam cylinder 420 rotates counter-clockwise form position BC5 to BC6 about 17 degrees, thereby causing the cutting tip 632 to rotate counter-clockwise the same amount from position CT5 (not shown) to position CT6, which is the cutting tip's most recessed position.

When trigger pin 408 is at position BC6 in the barrel cam cylinder 420 and the guide pin 640 is at position CT6 within the cutting tip 632, the barrel cam cylinder 420 and cutting tip 632 still need to return to their home positions BC1, CT1. In order for the barrel cam cylinder 420 and cutting tip 632 to return to their home positions BC1, CT1, the barrel cam cylinder 420 and cutting tip 632 rotate about 34.5 degrees in the clockwise direction from position BC6 to BC1 and from CT6 to CT1. When the trigger pin 428 is back to its home position (BC1), (i) the barrel cam cylinder 420 and cutting tip 632 have rotated counter-clock wise 307.6 degrees (and rotated clockwise 34.5 degrees), (ii) the guide pin 640 is at position CT1, and (iii) the cutting tip 632 is at a recessed position. That is, the cutting tip 632 (and barrel cam cylinder 420) have rotated a net 273.1 degrees in the clockwise direction in a retracted(home)-extended-retracted sequence of positions and 273.1 degrees in the counter-clockwise direction a retracted-extended-retracted(home) sequence of positions, even though the cutting tip 632 (and barrel cam cylinder 420) rotated in both a counter-clockwise direction and a clockwise direction in a retracted-extended-retracted (home) sequence of positions. The user may then repeat the process, if so desired.

Embodiments according to this disclosure provide a surgical device that includes a sheath assembly, which can be deployed safely within a vascular system of a patient and separate implanted objects, such as leads, from a patient's vasculature system. FIG. 12 depicts a surgical device 1206 having a sheath assembly 1212 inserted within an exemplary patient 1204. The sheath assembly 1212 surrounds an implanted lead (not shown) running along the left innominate vein past the SVC and connected into, or about, the right ventricle of the heart. Upon surrounding the lead with the sheath assembly 1212, the user of the surgical device 1206 may actuate the handle assembly 1208, thereby rotating and extending a cutting blade (not shown) beyond the distal end of the sheath assembly 1212 to dilate, separate and/or cut the tissue surrounding the lead within the patient's SVC.

The cutting blade may extend from and retract into the sheath upon actuation of the handle assembly according to the profile of the cam slot in the cutting tip disclosed below. The cutting blade may rotate in a first, or clockwise, direction upon an initial, or first, actuation of the handle assembly per the profile of the cam slot in the barrel cam cylinder discussed below. When the clinician releases the handle assembly, the cutting blade is ensured to remain or return within the sheath assembly 1212, thereby allowing the clinician to force and advance the distal portion of the sheath assembly against additional uncut tissue. The cutting blade may rotate in a second, or counter-clockwise, direction upon a subsequent, or second, actuation of the handle assembly per the profile of the cam slot in the barrel cam cylinder discussed below. Each time actuation occurs, the proximal portion of the implanted lead and/or surrounding tissue enters further into a hollow passageway within the sheath assembly 1212. This process is again repeated until the implanted lead and/or surrounding tissue is completely or substantially dilated, separated, and/or cut from the tissue attached to the SVC. At that time, the implanted lead may safely be removed from the patient's SVC.

With reference to FIG. 13, an exemplary surgical device 1206 is depicted. The surgical device 1206 includes a handle assembly 1208 and a flexible sheath assembly 1212. The flexible sheath assembly 1212, which is discussed in more detail below, generally includes a flexible inner sheath assembly (not shown) located within a flexible outer sheath assembly. It may be preferable for the outer sheath to remain stationary while the inner sheath is capable of moving (e.g., rotating and extending) with respect to the outer sheath. The inner sheath and outer sheath can both be flexible, rigid or a combination thereof.

With reference to FIG. 15A, an exemplary handle assembly 1208 is depicted. The handle assembly 1208 may include some or all of the following components: a handle frame 1504, a trigger 1508, a spring assembly 1512, a strain relief component 1516, a barrel cam assembly 1519, a bushing 1524 and an end cap 1527. The handle frame 1504 may be constructed of a singular component or multiple component, such as two halves as illustrated in FIG. 15A.

Referring to FIG. 15B, an exemplary trigger 1508 is illustrated. The trigger 1508 depicted in FIG. 15B includes one opening 1530 into which a clinician can insert his/her fingers. A trigger, however, may have more than one opening. Additionally, a trigger may also be comprised of a straight or non-linear member without any openings. Furthermore, a trigger may be in the shape of a button capable of being depressed. As long as the trigger, either alone or in conjunction with the handle frame, is ergonomically correct and comfortable for the clinician, the trigger may have a variety of sizes and shapes.

The trigger 1508 illustrated in FIG. 15B includes a trigger pin 1528 that extends vertically from the top of the trigger 1508. The trigger pin 1528 may be formed of a metal, such as a copper alloy (for example, brass or bronze, particularly C 630 nickel aluminum bronze), and may include a frusto-conically shaped end to facilitate insertion into the handle frame 1504. The trigger pin 1528, which cooperates with a groove in a barrel cam cylinder of the barrel cam assembly 1519, acts as a follower for the barrel cam cylinder. The trigger 1508 also includes a pair of sliders 1532 protruding laterally from the proximal end of the trigger 1508 and a pair of sliders 1536 protruding laterally from the distal end of the trigger 1508. When the trigger 1508 is located within the handle assembly 1208, the sliders 1532, 1536 sit and slide in corresponding grooves within the handle frame 1504. The trigger 1508 also includes a post 1540 extending vertically from the top of trigger 1508, and preferably from the distal end of the top of the trigger 1508. The post 1540 connects to the spring assembly 1512.

As mentioned above, the handle assembly 1208 may include a strain relief component 1516. The strain relief component 1516, as illustrated in FIG. 15A, is attached to the distal end of the handle frame 1504 and tapers from its proximal end toward its distal end. The strain relief component 1516 also has a lumen passing through it, thereby allowing the sheath assembly 1212 to extend there through and into the handle assembly 1208. The strain relief component 1516 may be constructed of a flexible material such as, Santoprene™ thermoplastic vulcanizate produced by ExxonMobil. The material from which the strain relief component is made and the shape of the strain relief component provide a flexural modulus to protect the flexible shaft as it extends the rigid handle. The lumen of the strain relief may also contain a counter bore that enables ancillary outer sheaths to be docked during device preparations.

Referring to FIG. 15C, an exemplary barrel cam assembly 1519 is illustrated. The barrel cam assembly 1519 includes a barrel cam cylinder 1520 that rotatably carries a follower guide 1521. As described in further detail below, the barrel cam cylinder 1520 and the follower guide 1521 cooperate with the trigger pin 1528 to create the barrel cam.

The barrel cam cylinder 1520 may be formed from one or more biocompatible materials, such as polyethylene-filled Delrin®, stainless steel, anodized aluminum, brass, titanium, or the like. As illustrated in FIG. 15D, the barrel cam cylinder 1520 has an exterior surface comprising a cam groove (or slot or channel) 1544 that translatably receives the trigger pin 1528. FIG. 15E depicts a two-dimensional illustration of the profile of the cam slot 1544 for the barrel cam cylinder 1520. The cam slot 1544 defines a generally “hourglass”-like or “figure eight”-like path for the follower (that is, the trigger pin 1528). As described in further detail below, the trigger pin 1528 traverses about half of the cam slot 1544 when an initial, or first, actuation is applied to the trigger 1508, and the trigger pin 1528 traverses the remainder of the cam slot 1544 (that is, about half of the cam slot 1544) when a subsequent, or second, actuation is applied to the trigger 1508. In each case, and as described in further detail below, the follower guide 1521 causes the trigger pin 1528 to travel straight through the intersection (or crossing portion) 1545 of the cam slot 1544 during each actuation of the trigger 1508. Stated another way, the follower guide 1521 causes the trigger pin 1528 to travel from a first leg 1547 of the cam slot 1544 to a second parallel leg 1549 of the cam slot 1544, and then from a third leg 1551 of the cam slot 1544 to a fourth parallel leg 1553 of the cam slot 1544.

FIGS. 15F and 15G illustrate a longitudinal-sectional view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of the barrel cam cylinder 1520. The barrel cam cylinder 1520 has a proximal end 1548 and a distal end 1552 through which a lumen 1556 extends. The distal end 1552 of the lumen 1556 of the barrel cam cylinder 1520 is designed to mate with exterior of the proximal end of the inner key 1612, which is discussed in further detail below. The cross section of the distal end 1552 of the lumen 1556 of the barrel cam cylinder 1520 is preferably non-circular. For example, one embodiment of a non-circular lumen includes two chamfered sides 1564, wherein one chamfered side 1564 is not offset, and the other chamfered side 1564 is offset (e.g., about 8 degrees). Because the distal end of the barrel cam cylinder 1520 is designed to mate with exterior of the proximal end of the inner key 1612 and transfer torque from the barrel cam cylinder 1520 to the inner sheath assembly via the inner key 1612, the cross section of the exterior of proximal end of the inner key 1612 will have a complimentary profile of the lumen 1556. Although the cross sectional shape of the non-circular lumen is described as having two chamfered sides 1564, the disclosure shall not be limited to such shape and may include alternative non-circular shapes, such as a square, rectangle, D-shape, triangle, rhombus, trapezoid, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, parallelogram, ellipse, etc. Alternatively, the inner key could couple to the outside of the barrel cam cylinder.

The proximal end of the barrel cam cylinder 1520 mates with the bushing 1524. Specifically, the exterior, distal end of the bushing 1524 is located within the proximal end of the lumen 1556. Both the exterior, distal end of the bushing 1524 and the proximal end of the lumen 1556 are circularly shaped, thereby allowing the bushing 1524 and the barrel cam cylinder 1520 to rotate with respect to one another. The proximal end of the exterior of the bushing 1524, however, is located within a groove within the handle frame 1504, thereby preventing the bushing 1524 and the barrel cam cylinder 1520 from moving longitudinally within the handle assembly 1208.

The follower guide 1521 may be formed from one or more biocompatible materials, such as stainless steel, anodized aluminum, titanium, or the like. In some embodiments, the follower guide 1521 and the barrel cam cylinder 1520 have a relatively high coefficient of friction therebetween. The follower guide 1521 is rotatably carried by the barrel cam cylinder 1520; as such, it may be preferable for the follower guide 1521 to be a dissimilar material from the barrel cam cylinder 1520 to inhibit galling. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the follower guide 1521 may have a slightly different cross-sectional shape than that of the outer surface of the barrel cam cylinder 1520 to inhibit unintentional rotation of the follower guide 1521 relative to the barrel cam cylinder 1520. For example, the outer surface of the barrel cam cylinder 1520 may have a circular cross-sectional shape, and the inner surface of the follower guide 1520 may have a slightly non-circular cross-sectional shape.

As illustrated in FIG. 15H, the follower guide 1521 is a generally cylindrical component that includes an aperture 1565. The trigger pin 1528 extends through the aperture 1565 to enter the cam slot 1544 of the barrel cam cylinder 1520. As explained in further detail below, first and second diagonally extending walls 1567 and 1569 of the aperture 1565 (that is, diagonally extending relative to the longitudinal axis of the barrel cam assembly 1519) engage the trigger pin 1528 to cause the trigger pin 1528 to travel straight through the intersection 1545 of the cam slot 1544. In additional and as explained in further detail below, the follower guide 1521 rotates relative to the barrel cam cylinder 1520 to appropriately position the first and second diagonally extending walls 1567 and 1569 during first and second actuations of the trigger 1508. The aperture 1565 includes first and second longitudinally extending walls 1571 and 1573 (that is, walls extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the barrel cam assembly 1519) that engage the trigger pin 1528 to facilitate rotation of the follower guide 1521 relative to the barrel cam cylinder 1520.

The first and second diagonally extending walls 1567 and 1569, the first and second longitudinally extending walls 1571 and 1573, and the other walls that define the aperture 1565 extend from an inner surface to an outer surface of the follower guide 1521. In some embodiments, these walls extend in a radial direction between the inner surface and the outer surface. In some embodiments, these walls extend diagonally between the inner surface and the outer surface (that is, these walls form a chamfer between the inner surface and the outer surface).

Referring now to FIGS. 15J and 15K, the barrel cam assembly 1519 further includes a relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism 1575 that, as the name implies, inhibits some rotation of the follower guide 1521 relative to the barrel cam cylinder 1520. Generally, the relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism 1575 permits the follower guide 1521 to occupy a first relative rotation-inhibiting position and a second relative rotation-inhibiting position. In the first relative rotation-inhibiting position, the mechanism 1575 permits the follower guide 1521 to rotate in a first direction relative to the barrel cam cylinder 1520 (that is, toward the second relative rotation-inhibiting position) and inhibits rotation of the follower guide 1521 relative to the barrel cam cylinder 1520 in a second direction. In the second relative rotation-inhibiting position, the mechanism 1575 permits the follower guide 1521 to rotate in the second direction relative to the barrel cam cylinder 1520 (that is, toward the first relative rotation-inhibiting position) and inhibits rotation of the follower guide 1521 relative to the barrel cam cylinder 1520 in the first direction.

In some embodiments and as shown in FIGS. 15J and 15K, the relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism 1575 may include a longitudinally extending tab (or arm) 1577 (see also FIGS. 15C and 15H) carried by the follower guide 1521 and a semi-annular flange 1579 (see also FIGS. 15C and D) carried by the barrel cam cylinder 1520. FIG. 15J illustrates such an embodiment of the relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism 1575 in the first relative rotation-inhibiting position (the arm 1577 engages a first side of the semi-annular flange 1579), and FIG. 15K illustrates such an embodiment of the relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism 1575 in the second relative rotation-inhibiting position (the arm 1577 engages a second side of the semi-annular flange 1579).

In some embodiments, the relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism 1575 may take other forms. For example, the mechanism 1575 may include one or more magnets that hold the follower guide 1521 in the first and second relative rotation-inhibiting positions.

Referring to FIG. 15L, an exemplary spring assembly 1512 is depicted. The spring assembly 1512 includes a constant force spring 1572 and a spool 1574. One end of the constant force spring 1572 is connected to the spool 1574, and the other end of the constant force spring 1572 is connected to the post 1540 extending from the trigger 1508. As a clinician pulls the trigger 1508 proximally, the sliders 1532, 1536 travel and slide in the grooves within the handle frame 1504, thereby preventing the trigger 1508 from moving vertically within the handle assembly 1208 and only allowing the trigger 1508 to move along the longitudinal axis of the surgical device 1206 from its distal end toward its proximal end and/or vice versa. As the trigger 1508 moves proximally, the constant force spring 1572 uncoils, thereby creating tension and a distally directed force. Accordingly, when the trigger 1508 is released by the clinician, the constant force spring 1572 recoils and pulls the trigger 1508 back towards its original and most distal position.

Referring to FIG. 16, there is depicted an elevation view of an embodiment of an assembled sheath assembly 1212 of the present disclosure. The sheath assembly 1212 includes an inner sheath assembly and an outer sheath assembly. Referring to FIG. 16A, which illustrates an exploded view of the distal end of the sheath assembly 1212, and referring to FIG. 16B, which is an exploded illustration of the proximal end and central portion of the sheath assembly 1212, the sheath assembly 1212 may include may include some or all of the following components: an outer band 1636; a guide pin 1640; a cutting tip 1632; a flexible inner sheath 1620; a flexible outer sheath 1624; an outer jacket 1628; an inner key 1612; an outer key 1608; and a rigid inner tube 1616.

Referring to FIG. 17A, there is depicted an embodiment of the outer sheath assembly 1602 of the present disclosure. The outer sheath assembly 1602 includes an outer band 1636 located at and attached to the distal end of an elongated flexible outer sheath 1624, and an outer key 1608 located at and attached to the proximal end of the flexible outer sheath 1624. The outer band 1636 may be attached to the distal end of a flexible outer sheath 1624 via a weld, an adhesive, a press-fitting technique, an interlock such as a barbed joint or other known means of attachment. All such attachment techniques within the knowledge of one skilled in the art are considered within the scope of this disclosure. Similarly, the outer key 1608 may be attached to the proximal end of the flexible outer sheath 1624 via a weld, an adhesive, a press-fitting technique, interlock such as a barbed joint, or other known means of attachment. Although it is not shown on FIG. 17A, the outer sheath assembly 1602 may also include a flexible outer jacket 1628 (see FIG. 16A) that covers the outer sheath 1624 and abuts the outer band 1636, thereby providing the outer sheath assembly 1602 with a relatively smooth, continuous and uninterrupted exterior profile. The flexible jacket also contains the egress of blood from the system.

Referring to FIG. 17B, there is depicted an embodiment of the inner sheath assembly 1604 of the present disclosure. The inner sheath assembly 1604 includes a cutting tip 1632, a flexible inner sheath 1620, an inner key 1612, and a rigid inner tube 1616. The proximal end of the cutting tip 1632 is attached to the distal end of a flexible inner sheath 1620; the distal end of an inner tube 1616 is attached to the proximal end of the flexible inner sheath 1620; and an inner key 1612 is attached to the proximal end of the inner tube 1616. The means of attaching these components may include a weld, an adhesive, a press-fitting technique, or other known means of attachment. As will be discussed below, the guide pin 1640 couples the outer band 1636 with the cutting tip 1632, and the guide pin 1640 may be includes with either the inner sheath assembly 1604 or the outer sheath assembly 1602.

It may be preferable for a portion of either the inner sheath 1620 and/or the outer sheath 1624 to be rigid and a portion of the outer sheath to be flexible. Both the rigid portion and the flexible portion may be constructed of materials suitable for insertion into the human body. For example, the rigid portion may be constructed of stainless steel, and the flexible portion may be constructed of a flexible polymer such as polytetrafluoroethylene or thermoplastic elastomers. Assuming that both a rigid portion and a flexible portion are used, they will form a unitary inner sheath and/or outer sheath. As depicted in FIG. 17B, the rigid inner tube 1616 is not only attached to the inner key 1612, the rigid tube 1616 also is inserted through the inner key 1612 and extends from both the proximal end and distal end of the inner key 1612. The attachment and extension of the rigid tube 1616 to the inner key 1612 allows for an increased amount of torque that can be transferred from the barrel cam to the rigid tube 1616 via the inner key 1612 and eventually to the cutting tip 1632 via the inner sheath assembly 1604. The extension of the rigid tube through the handle provides an access point for introduction of other medical devices. The extension also provides a means of controlling blood egress after the lead has been extracted.

It may be preferable that at least a portion of the outer sheath 1624 and the inner sheath 1620 be generally flexible in order to accept, accommodate and navigate the patient's vasculature system. In addition to being flexible, the inner sheath 1620 may also have a high degree of stiffness in order to receive the torque transferred from the barrel cam cylinder/inner key and transfer sufficient torque to the cutting tip 1632 discussed in more detail below. The inner sheath 1620 (and/or the outer sheath 1624) may be formed of a polymer extrusion, braided reinforced polymer extrusion, coils, bi-coils, tri-coils, laser cut metal tubing and any combination of the above. The inner sheath (and/or the outer sheath 1624) may be a unitary structure comprised of multiple portions.

Referring to FIG. 18, there is depicted a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the sheath assembly 1212 comprising the inner sheath assembly 1604 located within the outer sheath assembly 1602. Referring to FIG. 18C, there is depicted an enlarged view of the inner key 1612 of the inner sheath assembly 1604 located within the outer key 1608 of the outer sheath assembly 1602. As discussed above, the exterior of the inner key 1612 is designed to mate with lumen 1556 of the distal end of the barrel cam cylinder 1520. Accordingly, the cross section of the exterior of proximal end of the inner key 1612 will have a profile complimentary to the distal end of the lumen 1556 within the barrel cam cylinder 1520. For example, assuming the cross section of the distal end 1552 of the lumen 1556 of the barrel cam cylinder 1520 is non-circular and has two chamfered sides, wherein one chamfered side is not offset, and the other chamfered side is offset (e.g., about 8 degrees), then the exterior of the proximal end of the inner key 1612 will also have a non-circular profile with two chamfered sides, wherein one chamfered side is not offset, and the other chamfered side is offset (e.g., about 8 degrees). The inner key 1612 and outer key 1608 provide means for rotationally coupling. The inner key 1612 is a means for rotationally coupling the inner sheath assembly 1604 to the barrel cam, and the outer key is a means for rotationally coupling the outer shaft assembly to the handle. The inner key 1612 and outer key 1608 provide journal bearing for the other key.

As further illustrated in FIG. 18C, the inner key 1612 is able to rotate freely within the outer key 1608 due, at least in part, to the distal end of the exterior of the inner key 1612 having a circular cross section that mates with a circular cross section of the proximal end of a lumen within the outer key 1608. Additionally, because the inner key 1612 and outer key 1608 are loosely coupled, the inner key 1612 and outer key 1608 are able to move longitudinally with respect to one another. For instance, supposing the outer key 1608 is fixed such that it neither rotates nor moves longitudinally, the inner key 1612 is able to both rotate and travel longitudinally within the outer key 1608. Accordingly, as the barrel cam cylinder 1520 rotates, the inner key 1612 will rotate within the outer key 1608, and the inner sheath assembly 1604 will rotate within the outer sheath assembly 1602, including the rotation of the cutting tip 1632 within the outer band 1636. And the cam slot profile in the cutting tip 1632 controls the longitudinal movement of the inner sheath assembly 1604 within the outer sheath assembly 1602, including the longitudinal movement of the inner key 1612 relative to the outer key 1608 and the longitudinal movement of the cutting tip 1632 relative to the outer band 1636.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 18C, the lumen within the outer key 1608 is larger toward its proximal end and smaller toward its distal end because there is a step down or an abutment in the lumen as it progresses from the proximal end to the distal end. Due to the transition from a larger lumen to a smaller lumen within the outer key 1608, there is depicted an adjustable gap 1610 between the distal end of the inner key 1612 and the abutment within the distal end of the larger lumen in the outer key 1608. This gap increases, decreases and/or remains the same according to the cam slot profile of the cutting tip 1632. The abutment in the outer key 1608 insures that the inner key 1612 will only travel a limited longitudinal distance within the outer key 1608, thereby limiting the inner sheath assembly 1604 potential longitudinal movement within the outer sheath assembly 1602, including limiting the longitudinal movement of the cutting tip 1632 relative to the outer band 1636 in the distal direction.

Referring to FIG. 18A, there is depicted an enlarged cross-sectional view of the distal end of the sheath assembly 1212 with the inner sheath assembly 1604 coupled with the outer sheath assembly 1602 via guide pin 1640, wherein the blade 1822 of the cutting tip 1632 is in a retracted position and located within the outer sheath assembly 1602. As discussed above, the distal end of the outer sheath assembly 1602 includes an outer band 1636, which may be constructed of a biocompatible metal, such as stainless steel, and polished so that it is generally smooth and evenly rounded at its most distal point, thereby allowing it to act as a dilator when pressed and forced against tissue. The distal end 1822 of cutting tip 1632 includes a cutting surface capable of cutting tissue. The inner sheath assembly 1604 is coupled to the outer sheath assembly 1602 through the cutting tip 1632 and the outer band 1636, respectively, via guide pin 1640. One end of the guide pin 1640 is fixed within the outer band 1636, and the other end of the guide pin 1640 is located within the cam slot 1814 of the cutting tip 1632. As the inner sheath 1620 rotates, upon actuation of the trigger assembly discussed above, the cutting tip 1632 also rotates because the inner sheath 1620 is fixedly attached to the cutting tip 1632. As the cutting tip 1632 rotates, the cutting tip 1632 may also extend distally in the direction of the arrow (→) according to the profile of the cam slot 1814 as depicted in FIG. 18A′. As the cutting tip 1632 extends distally and rotates, the guide pin 1640 and the outer sheath assembly 1602, particularly the outer band 1636, remain stationary. Thus, as the cutting tip 1632 extends distally (and potentially retracts proximally according to the cam slot profile) and rotates, the cutting surface at the distal end 1822 of the cutting tip 1632 is able to perform a slicing action against the tissue and cut it.

Again, FIG. 18A depicts the cutting tip 1632 within a retracted (and potentially un-actuated) position because the cutting tip 1632 is in a proximal position. Stated differently, the distal end 1822 of the cutting tip 1632 of FIG. 18A is located within the interior of the outer sheath assembly 1602, particularly the outer band 1636, and does not extend beyond the distal end of the outer band 1636. With reference to FIG. 18A′, the cutting tip 1632 is depicted in an extended (and actuated) position because the cutting tip 1632 is extending beyond the distal end of the outer sheath assembly 1602 and the outer band 1636.

FIG. 14 depicts the distal portion of the flexible outer sheath and flexible inner sheath surrounding a lead 330 within a patient's vein 334 with the cutting tip 1632 in its extended position. The circumferential nature of the cutting surface (e.g., notched blade) at the distal end of the cutting tip 1632 causes the surgical device to act as a coring device, thereby cutting tissue 338 either partially (i.e., less than 360 degrees) or completely (i.e., 360 degrees) around the lead or implanted object being extracted. The amount of tissue that the cutting surface cuts depends upon the size, shape and configuration of the lead, as well as the diameter and thickness of the circular cutting blade. For example, if the diameter of the circular cutting surface is substantially greater than the diameter of the lead, then the cutting surface will cut and core more tissue in comparison to a cutting surface having a smaller diameter.

Although the inner sheath and outer sheath are coupled to one another via the cutting tip, the outer band, and the guide pin, the inner sheath assembly and outer sheath assembly may be coupled to one another in other ways. Stated differently, those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the disclosed aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations after understanding the present disclosure to couple the sheaths in a manner to allow a cutting surface to extend and rotate beyond the distal end of the outer sheath. All such configurations within the knowledge of one skilled in the art are considered within the scope of this disclosure.

With reference to FIGS. 19A, 19B and 19C, an exemplary outer band 1636 is depicted. The outer band 1636 may be a sleeve in the general shape of a hollow cylinder. Although the exterior of the outer band 1636 is non-uniform, it may be uniform. The interior of the outer band 1636 is non-uniform. For example, the interior of the outer band 1636 includes an abutment 1916 to prevent the cutting tip (not shown in FIGS. 19A, 19B and 19C) from traveling further from the proximal end 1912 to the distal end 1908 within the outer band 1636. The outer band 1636 also includes a hole 1904 for receipt and possible attachment of a guide pin (not shown in FIGS. 19A, 19B and 19C) which protrudes radially inward. As discussed in more detail above, the guide pin engages the cam slot of the cutting tip. The size, shape and configuration of the outer band 1636 may differ depending upon how it is attached to the flexible outer sheath. As discussed above, the outer sheath may be stationary. If so, the outer band 1636 and the guide pin remain stationary as the cutting tip moves (e.g., rotates and travel longitudinally) relative thereto. The outer band may also contain a journal bearing surface to align the cutting blade during actuation and provide a surface to disengage the tissue at the retraction of the cutting blade within the device.

With reference to FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D, an exemplary cutting tip 1632 is depicted. The cutting tip 1632 has a generally hollow cylindrical shape. The cutting tip 1632 comprises a proximal portion 2024, an intermediate portion 2028, and a distal portion 2032. The outside diameter of the proximal portion 2024 is sized to allow it to be inserted to and/or engage (or otherwise attached to) the interior diameter of the inner flexible sheath (not shown). The distal end of cutting tip 1632 comprises a cutting surface 2012 having a serrated, sharp blade profile. The intermediate portion 2028 comprises a channel (or cam slot) 2016 cut within its exterior surface. As the inner flexible sheath rotates and moves within the outer sheath—from its proximal end to distal end—the outer sheath and pin may remain stationary. If so, the inner sheath (not shown), which is connected to cutting tip 1632, forces the cutting tip 1632 to rotate. The cam slot 2016 engages the guide pin, and the shape and profile of the cam slot 2016 controls the rate and distance with which the cutting tip 1632 travels longitudinally. That is, the configuration of the cam slot 2016 controls the cutting tip's direction and amount of longitudinal travel, such as moving distally toward an extended position and/or proximally toward a retracted position, while the cutting tip rotates in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.

Referring again to FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D, the cutting tip 1632 may also comprise a step up 2020 such that the diameter of the intermediate portion 2028 is greater than the distal portion 2032. As the cutting tip 1632 rotates, and the cutting surface 2012 extends beyond the distal end of the outer band into an extended position, the step up 2020 of the cutting tip 1632 contacts the abutment of the outer band, thereby limiting the distance that the cutting tip 1632 may travel and/or may prevent the cutting tip 1632 from exiting or extending beyond the distal tip of the outer sheath assembly, particularly the outer band, in the event that the pin is sheared.

The profile of the cam slot in the cutting tip may have various configurations, such as those disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/834,405 filed Mar. 15, 2013 and entitled Retractable Blade For Lead Removal Device, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all that it teaches and for all purposes. For example, the cam slot may have a substantially linear profile, a substantially sinusoidal profile, or a combination of individual and/or multiple linear and non-linear profiles. Additionally, the cam slot may have an open and continuous configuration, thereby allowing the cutting tip to continuously rotate, or the cam slot may have a closed and discontinuous configuration such that when the cutting tip reaches its fully extended position, the trigger assembly must be released or reversed so that the cutting tip returns to initially retracted position before being re-actuated. For instance, the cam slot 2016 in FIG. 20A is discontinuous because the cam slot does not travel around the entire circumference of the exterior of the cutting tip 1632. In some embodiments and as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22A-22C, the cam slot 2016 may be symmetric over a longitudinally-extending plane. Although certain figures in this disclosure only illustrate either the open or closed cam slot configuration, either configuration may be used with any of the inner cam embodiments disclosed and/or discussed herein and are considered within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, various types of cams, such as a partial lobe cam (which includes a cam slot surrounding less than 360 degrees of the circumference of the exterior surface of the cutting tip), a single lobe cam (which includes a cam slot surrounding 360 degrees of the circumference of the exterior surface of the cutting tip), double lobe cams (which includes a cam slot surrounding 720 degrees of the circumference of the exterior surface of the cutting tip) and/or other multiple lobe cams.

The distal end of cutting tip 1632 may comprise a cutting surface 2012 having different blade profiles, such as those disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/834,405 filed Mar. 15, 2013 and entitled Retractable Blade For Lead Removal Device, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all that it teaches and for all purposes. For example, the plane of the cutting surface 2012 of the distal end of the cutting tip depicted in the figures of this disclosure is parallel to the plane of the proximal end of the cutting tip. The plane of the cutting surface, however, may be offset (0 degrees to 90 degrees) from the plane of the proximal end of the cutting tip. Also, as discussed above, the profile of the cutting surface 2012 in FIGS. 10A-10D has a plurality of serrations. The profile of the cutting surface 2012 need not be serrated and may comprise other configurations, such as a constant and/or smooth sharp profile. The profile of the cutting surface 2012 in FIGS. 20A-20D has a plurality of six (6) serrations. However, it may be preferable to have less than or more than six (6) serrations. It may also be preferable to have between five (5) and seven (7) serrations, or between four (4) and eight (8) serrations, or between six (6) and ten (10) serrations.

Although the cutting surface 2012 illustrates a certain number of serrations, FIGS. 20A-20D are not intended to represent the only number and type of serrations that may be included in a serrated cutting surface. Depending upon the size of the surgical device, including the sheaths, and cutting tip, those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the disclosed aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations after understanding the present disclosure to adjust the number, size and configurations of the serrations. All such configurations within the knowledge of one skilled in the art are considered within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the serrations may comprise a myriad of different shapes and configurations, including but not limited to any variation of a square, rectangle, rhombus, parallelogram, trapezoid, triangle, circle, ellipse, kite, etc.

FIG. 21 depicts two-dimensional illustrations of the profile of the cam slot 2016 for the cutting tip 1632, the profile of the cam slot 1544 for the barrel cam cylinder 1520, and the profile of the aperture 1565 of the follower guide 1521. FIGS. 22A-22C depict the how actuation of the trigger 1508, and the resulting movement of the trigger pin 1528, results in rotational movement of the barrel cam cylinder 1520, the follower guide 1521, and the cutting tip 1632, and translation movement of the cutting tip 1632. In these figures, a horizontal axis for the profiles of the slots 2016 and 1544 is the degree(s) of rotation of the cutting tip 1632 and the barrel cam cylinder 1520. For example, assuming that the profile of the cam slot in the cutting tip 1632 is discontinuous, as depicted in FIG. 20A, the cutting tip 1632 will rotate less than 360 degrees. It may be preferable for the cutting tip 1632 to rotate between 5 and 355 degrees, 180 degrees and 355 degrees, 210 degrees and 325 degrees, 240 degrees and 295 degrees, or 270 degrees and 275 degrees. It may also be preferable for the cutting tip 1632 rotate about 180, 185, 190, 200, 205, 210, 215, 220, 225, 230, 235, 240, 245, 250, 255, 260, 265, 270, 275, 280, 285, 290, 300, 305, 310, 315, 320, 325, 330, 335, 340, 345, 350 or 355 degrees. A vertical axis for the profile of the cam slot 2016 for the cutting tip 1632 is the amount of longitudinal displacement, if any, of the cutting tip 1632. The vertical axis for the profile of the cam slot 1544 for the barrel cam cylinder 1520 is the amount of longitudinal displacement of the trigger assembly (and trigger pin 1528).

In FIGS. 22A-22C, the aperture 1565 of the follower guide 1521 is shown as a dashed line and is overlaid on the profile of the cam slot 1544 for the barrel cam cylinder 1520 to illustrate the rotational position of the aperture 1565 relative to the cam slot 1544. As shown in FIGS. 22A-22C and explained in further detail below, the rotational position of the aperture 1565 changes relative to the cam slot 1544 during actuation of the trigger 1508.

Generally, an initial, or first, actuation of the trigger 1508 (that is, pulling the trigger 1508 as far as permitted by the handle assembly and then releasing the trigger 1508 so that it returns to its home position) results in about a 254 degree rotational displacement of the cutting tip 1632 and the barrel cam cylinder 1520 in one direction—clockwise when looking from the handle to the tip. The first actuation also extends the cutting tip 1632 from the outer band 1636 and then returns the cutting tip 1632 to the sheathed position as the cutting tip 1632 rotates. A subsequent, or second, actuation of the trigger 1508 results in about a 254 degree rotational displacement of the cutting tip 1632 and the barrel cam cylinder 1520 in the opposite direction—counter-clockwise when looking from the handle to the tip. The second actuation also extends the cutting tip 1632 from the outer band 1636 and then returns the cutting tip 1632 to the sheathed position as the cutting tip 1632 rotates. Additional “odd” actuations (that is, a third actuation, a fifth actuation, and so on) cause the same device motions as the first actuation of the trigger 1508, and additional “even” actuations (that is, a fourth actuation, a sixth actuation, and so on) cause the same device motions as the second actuation of the trigger 1508.

The following discussion more specifically explains the interaction between the rotation of the barrel cam cylinder 1520, the rotation of the follower guide 1521, the rotation of the cutting tip 1632, the longitudinal movement of the handle (via the position of the trigger pin 1528), and the longitudinal movement of the cutting tip 1632.

First and referring specifically to FIGS. 22A, 23A, 23B, and 23C, the following is a description of the positions BC1′-BC3′ of the trigger pin 1528 within the cam slot 1544 of the barrel cam cylinder 1520. In these positions, the follower guide 1521 is in the first relative rotation-inhibiting position, and the follower guide 1521 rotates together with the barrel cam cylinder 1520.

-   -   BC1′—The trigger pin 1528 is at a first home position within the         cam slot of the barrel cam cylinder 1520. The trigger 1508 of         the trigger assembly is also at its home position.     -   BC2′—The trigger pin 1528 has moved longitudinally in a proximal         direction, thereby causing the barrel cam cylinder 1520 to         rotate in a clockwise direction. The trigger pin 1528 engages         the first diagonally-extending wall 1567 of the aperture 1565 of         the follower guide 1521.     -   BC3′—The trigger pin 1528 has moved longitudinally further in         the proximal direction, thereby causing the barrel cam cylinder         1520 to rotate further in the clockwise direction. The trigger         pin 1528 engages the first longitudinally-extending wall 1571 of         the aperture 1565 of the follower guide 1521.

The positions BC1′-BC3′ of the trigger pin 1528 within the cam slot 1544 of the barrel cam cylinder 1520 correspond to positions CT1′-CT3 ‘of the guide pin 1640 within the cam slot of the cutting tip 1632. The following is a description of the positions CT1’-CT3′ of the guide pin 1640 within the cam slot of the cutting tip 1632.

-   -   CT1′—The guide pin 1640 is at a first home position within the         cam slot 2016 of the cutting tip 1632, and the cutting tip 1632         is in a retracted position within the outer sheath assembly 1602         (including the outer band 1636).     -   CT2′—The cutting tip 1632 has rotated in a clockwise direction         over the guide pin 1640 within the cam slot 2016 for about half         of its predetermined rotation. The cutting tip 1632 may be in         its most extended position outside the outer sheath assembly         1602.     -   CT3′—The cutting tip 1632 has rotated further in the clockwise         direction over the guide pin 1640 within the cam slot 2016. The         cutting tip 1632 may be in an intermediate position between the         extended position and the retracted position within the outer         sheath assembly 1602, or the cutting tip 1632 may be in the         retracted position within the outer sheath assembly 1602.

By beginning a first actuation of the trigger 1508 as described above, the trigger pin 1528 moves from its first home position BC1′ and into the intersection 1545 of the cam slot 1544 of the barrel cam cylinder 1520 (position BC2′). This action causes the barrel cam cylinder 1520 and the cutting tip 1632 to rotate in a clockwise direction by about 127 degrees. In position BC2′, the trigger pin 1528 engages the first diagonally-extending wall 1567 of the aperture 1565 of the follower guide 1521 to ensure that the trigger pin 1528 travels straight through the intersection 1545 of the cam slot 1544 of the barrel cam cylinder 1520. Stated another way, the trigger pin 1528 travels from the first leg 1547 of the cam slot 1544 to the second leg 1549 of the cam slot 1544. Stated yet another way, the follower guide 1521 ensures that that trigger pin 1528 traverses a first slot portion defined by the first leg 1547 and the second leg 1549. This ensures that the barrel cam cylinder 1520 continues to rotate in a clockwise direction. Engagement of the trigger pin 1528 against the wall of the aperture 1565 of the follower guide 1521 tends to rotate the follower guide 1521 in a clockwise direction relative to the barrel cam cylinder 1520. However, such motion is inhibited by the relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism 1575 in the first relative rotation-inhibiting position.

By continuing the first actuation of the trigger 1508, the trigger 1508 pin moves from position BC2′ to position BC3′. This action causes the barrel cam cylinder 1520 and the cutting tip 1632 to rotate in the clockwise direction by about 50 degrees. In position BC3′, the trigger pin 1528 engages the first longitudinally-extending wall 1571 of the aperture 1565 of the follower guide 1521. As described in further detail below, movement of the trigger pin 1528 past position BC3′ rotates the follower guide 1521 in a counter-clockwise direction relative to the barrel cam cylinder 1520.

Referring now to FIGS. 22B and 23D, the following is a description of the positions BC4′-BC6′ of the trigger pin 1528 within the cam slot 1544 of the barrel cam cylinder 1520. In these positions, the follower guide 1521 is in the second relative rotation-inhibiting position, and the follower guide 1521 rotates together with the barrel cam cylinder 1520.

-   -   BC4′—The trigger pin 1528 has moved about its entire         longitudinal movement in a proximal direction and the barrel cam         cylinder 1520 has completed its rotation in a clockwise         direction. The trigger pin 1528 has rotated the follower guide         1521 to the second relative rotation-inhibiting position.     -   BC5′—The trigger pin 1528 has moved longitudinally in a distal         direction. The barrel cam cylinder 1520 has remained stationary.     -   BC6′—The trigger pin 1528 has moved longitudinally further in         the distal direction. The trigger pin 1528 is at a second home         position within the cam slot of the barrel cam cylinder 1520.         The trigger 1508 of the trigger assembly is also at its home         position.

The positions BC4′-BC6′ of the trigger pin 1528 within the cam slot of the barrel cam cylinder 1520 correspond to positions CT4′-CT6′ of the guide pin 1640 within the cam slot of the cutting tip 1632. The following is a description of the positions CT4′-CT6′ of the guide pin 1640 within the cam slot of the cutting tip 1632.

-   -   CT4′—The cutting tip 1632 has completed its rotation in a         clockwise direction over the guide pin 1640 within the cam slot         2016. The cutting tip 1632 is in its most retracted position         within the outer sheath assembly 1602.     -   CT5′—(Not shown) the cutting tip 1632 has not moved relative to         position CT4′.     -   CT6′—The guide pin 1640 is at a second home position within the         cam slot 2016 of the cutting tip 1632, and the cutting tip 1632         is in a retracted position within the outer sheath assembly 1602         (including the outer band 1636).

By continuing the first actuation of the trigger 1508, the trigger pin 1528 moves from position BC3′ (FIG. 22A) to position BC4′. This action causes the barrel cam cylinder 1520 and the cutting tip 1632 to rotate in the clockwise direction by about 110 degrees. This action also causes the trigger pin 1528 to rotate the follower guide 1521 in a counter-clockwise direction by about 110 degrees relative to the barrel cam cylinder 1520. That is, the follower guide 1521 rotates from the first relative rotation-inhibiting position to the second relative rotation-inhibiting position. In the second relative rotation-inhibiting position, the follower guide 1521 is positioned to ensure that the trigger pin 1528 subsequently crosses its previous path and travels straight through the intersection 1545 of the cam slot 1544 of the barrel cam cylinder 1520.

After the trigger pin 1528 reaches position BC4′, the trigger 1508 is moved in a distal direction (for example, by releasing the trigger 1508). This action causes the trigger pin 1528 to move from position BC4′ to position BC5′ and then position BC6′. When the trigger pin 1528 moves from position BC5′ to position BC6′, the barrel cam cylinder 1520 and the cutting tip 1632 rotate in the counter-clockwise direction by about 33 degrees. As such, the barrel cam cylinder 1520 and the cutting tip 1632 are rotationally displaced by about 254 degrees in the clockwise direction as the trigger pin 1528 moves from position BC1′ to position BC6′. The trigger pin 1528 remains at position BC6′, the second home position thereof, until the clinician begins a second actuation of the trigger 1508.

Referring now to FIGS. 22B, 23E, and 23F, the following is a description of the positions BC7′-BC8′ of the trigger pin 1528 within the cam slot 1544 of the barrel cam cylinder 1520. In these positions, the follower guide 1521 is in the second relative rotation-inhibiting position, and the follower guide 1521 rotates together with the barrel cam cylinder 1520.

-   -   BC7′—The trigger pin 1528 has moved longitudinally in a proximal         direction, thereby causing the barrel cam cylinder 1520 to         rotate in a counter-clockwise direction. The trigger pin 1528         engages the second diagonally-extending wall 1569 of the         aperture 1565 of the follower guide 1521.     -   BC8′—The trigger pin 1528 has moved longitudinally further in         the proximal direction, thereby causing the barrel cam cylinder         1520 to rotate further in the counter-clockwise direction. The         trigger pin 1528 engages the second longitudinally-extending         wall 1573 of the aperture 1565 of the follower guide 1521.

The positions BC7′-BC8′ of the trigger pin 1528 within the cam slot of the barrel cam cylinder 1520 correspond to positions CT7′-CT8′ of the guide pin 1640 within the cam slot of the cutting tip 1632. The following is a description of the positions CT7′-CT8′ of the guide pin 1640 within the cam slot of the cutting tip 1632.

-   -   CT7′—The cutting tip 1632 has rotated in a counter-clockwise         direction over the guide pin 1640 within the cam slot 2016 for         about half of its predetermined rotation. The cutting tip 1632         may be in its most extended position outside the outer sheath         assembly 1602.     -   CT8′—The cutting tip 1632 has rotated further in the         counter-clockwise direction over the guide pin 1640 within the         cam slot 2016. The cutting tip 1632 may be in an intermediate         position between the extended position and the retracted         position within the outer sheath assembly 1602, or the cutting         tip 1632 may be in the retracted position within the outer         sheath assembly 1602.

By beginning a second actuation of the trigger 1508 as described above, the trigger pin 1528 moves from its second home position BC6′ and into the intersection 1545 of the cam slot 1544 of the barrel cam cylinder 1520 (position BC7′). This action causes the barrel cam cylinder 1520 and the cutting tip 1632 to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction by 127 degrees. In position BC7′, the trigger pin 1528 engages the second diagonally-extending wall 1569 of the aperture 1565 of the follower guide 1521 to ensure that the trigger pin 1528 travels straight through the intersection 1545 of the cam slot 1544 of the barrel cam cylinder 1520. Stated another way, the trigger pin 1528 travels from the third leg 1551 of the cam slot 1544 to the fourth leg 1553 of the cam slot 1544. Stated yet another way, the follower guide 1521 ensures that that trigger pin 1528 traverses a second slot portion defined by the third leg 1551 and the fourth leg 1553. This ensures that the barrel cam cylinder 1520 continues to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction. Engagement of the trigger pin 1528 against the wall of the aperture 1565 of the follower guide 1521 tends to rotate the follower guide 1521 in a counter-clockwise direction relative to the barrel cam cylinder 1520. However, such motion is inhibited by the relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism 1575 in the second relative rotation-inhibiting position.

By continuing the second actuation of the trigger 1508, the trigger 1508 pin moves from position BC7′ to position BC8′. This action causes the barrel cam cylinder 1520 and the cutting tip 1632 to further rotate in the counter-clockwise direction by 50 degrees. In position BC8′, the trigger pin 1528 engages the second longitudinally-extending wall 1573 of the aperture 1565 of the follower guide 1521. As described in further detail below, movement of the trigger pin 1528 past position BC8′ rotates the follower guide 1521 in a clockwise direction relative to the barrel cam cylinder 1520.

Referring now to FIGS. 22C and 23A, the following is a description of the positions BC9′-BC10′ of the trigger pin 1528 within the cam slot of the barrel cam cylinder 1520. In these positions, the follower guide 1521 is in the first relative rotation-inhibiting position, and the follower guide 1521 rotates together with the barrel cam cylinder 1520.

-   -   BC9′—The trigger pin 1528 has moved about its entire         longitudinal movement in a proximal direction and the barrel cam         cylinder 1520 has completed its rotation in a counter-clockwise         direction. The trigger pin 1528 has rotated the follower guide         1521 back to the first relative rotation-inhibiting position.     -   BC10′—The trigger pin 1528 has moved longitudinally in a distal         direction. The barrel cam cylinder 1520 has remained stationary.

The positions BC9′-BC10′ of the trigger pin 1528 within the cam slot of the barrel cam cylinder 1520 correspond to positions CT9′-CT10′ of the guide pin 1640 within the cam slot of the cutting tip 1632. The following is a description of the positions CT9′-CT10′ of the guide pin 1640 within the cam slot of the cutting tip 1632.

-   -   CT9′—The cutting tip 1632 has completed its rotation in a         counter-clockwise direction over the guide pin 1640 within the         cam slot 2016. The cutting tip 1632 is in its most retracted         position within the outer sheath assembly 1602.     -   CT10′—(Not shown) the cutting tip 1632 has not moved relative to         position CT9′.

By continuing the second actuation of the trigger 1508, the trigger pin 1528 moves from position BC8′ (FIG. 22B) to position BC9′. This action causes the barrel cam cylinder 1520 and the cutting tip 1632 to further rotate in the counter-clockwise direction by 110 degrees. This action also causes the trigger pin 1528 to rotate the follower guide 1521 in a clockwise direction relative to the barrel cam cylinder 1520 by 100 degrees. That is, the follower guide 1521 rotates from the second relative rotation-inhibiting position back to the first relative rotation-inhibiting position. In the first relative rotation-inhibiting position, the follower guide 1521 is again positioned to ensure that the trigger pin 1528 subsequently crosses its previous path and travels straight through the intersection 1545 of the cam slot 1544 of the barrel cam cylinder 1520.

After the trigger pin 1528 reaches position BC9′, the trigger 1508 is moved in a distal direction (for example, by releasing the trigger 1508). This action causes the trigger pin 1528 to move from position BC9′ to position BC10′ and then position BC1′. When the trigger pin 1528 moves from position BC10′ to position BC1′, the barrel cam cylinder 1520 and the cutting tip 1632 rotate in the clockwise direction by about 33 degrees. As such, the barrel cam cylinder 1520 and the cutting tip 1632 are rotationally displaced by about 254 degrees in the counter-clockwise direction as the trigger pin 1528 moves from position BC6′ to position BC1′.

The trigger pin 1528 remains at position BC1′, the first home position thereof, until the clinician begins a third actuation of the trigger 1508. As described above, additional “odd” actuations (that is, a third actuation, a fifth actuation, and so on) of the trigger 1508 cause the same device motions as the first actuation of the trigger 1508, and additional “even” actuations (that is, a fourth actuation, a sixth actuation, and so on) of the trigger 1508 cause the same device motions as the second actuation of the trigger 1508.

Referring now to FIGS. 24-28, an exemplary barrel cam assembly 2419 is depicted. The barrel cam assembly 2419 may be used with a surgical device, such as the surgical device 1206 described above, in place of the barrel cam assembly 1519. The barrel cam assembly 2419 includes a barrel cam cylinder 2420 that rotatably carries a follower guide 2421. The barrel cam cylinder 2420 and the follower guide 2421 may have the same features as any of the barrel cam cylinders and the follower guides, respectively, described herein (for example, the cam groove 1544 and the follower aperture 1565, respectively), with the exception of the relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism.

The barrel cam assembly 2419 includes a relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism 2475 that inhibits some rotation of the follower guide 2421 relative to the barrel cam cylinder 2420. Generally, the relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism 2475 permits the follower guide 2421 to move from a first relative rotation-inhibiting position (referred to as the “first locked position” for simplicity) to a second relative rotation-inhibiting position (referred to as the “first locked position” for simplicity) and vice versa. In the first locked position, the mechanism 2475 initially inhibits the follower guide 2421 from rotating in a first direction relative to the barrel cam cylinder 2420 (that is, toward the second locked position) and inhibits rotation of the follower guide 2421 in a second direction relative to the barrel cam cylinder 2420. In the second locked position, the mechanism 2475 initially inhibits the follower guide 2421 from rotating in the second direction relative to the barrel cam cylinder 2420 (that is, toward the first locked position) and inhibits rotation of the follower guide 2421 in the first direction relative to the barrel cam cylinder 2420.

The relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism 2475 includes a radially-outwardly projecting protrusion 2402 formed near the proximal end of the barrel cam cylinder 2420. The protrusion 2402 may be formed on the barrel cam cylinder 2420 in a machining process. The protrusion 2402 includes a proximally-facing curved recess 2404. The protrusion 2402 also includes a first transversely-facing engagement surface 2406 and a second transversely-facing engagement surface 2408.

The relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism 2475 also includes a first spring prong 2410, a second spring prong 2412 (see FIG. 25), a first transversely-facing engagement surface 2413, and a second transversely-facing engagement surface 2414 (see FIG. 25) formed near the proximal end of the follower guide 2421. The spring prongs 2410, 2412 and the engagement surfaces 2413, 2414 may be formed on the follower guide 2421 in a laser cutting process.

The first spring prong 2410 is cantilevered from the remainder of the follower guide 2421 and extends partially about the circumference of the follower guide 2421. The first spring prong 2410 includes a curved tip 2418 that selectively engages the curved recess 2404 of the protrusion 2402 to inhibit rotation of the follower guide 2421 relative to the barrel cam cylinder 2420. This aspect is described in further detail below. In some embodiments, the curved tip 2418 has a radius of about 0.040 inches and 0.015 inches of interference with the curved recess 2404 of the protrusion 2402. Such dimensions facilitate both securement and slidable detachment of the first spring prong 2410 relative to the protrusion 2402.

The second spring prong 2412 is cantilevered from the remainder of the follower guide 2421. The second spring prong 2412 extends partially about the circumference of the follower guide 2421 and faces in the opposite circumferential direction as the first spring prong 2410. The second spring prong 2412 includes a curved tip 2422 that selectively engages the curved recess 2404 of the protrusion 2402 to inhibit rotation of the follower guide 2421 relative to the barrel cam cylinder 2420. This aspect is described in further detail below. In some embodiments, the curved tip 2422 has a radius of about 0.040 inches and 0.015 inches of interference with the curved recess 2404 of the protrusion 2402. Such dimensions facilitate both securement and slidable detachment of the second spring prong 2412 relative to the protrusion 2402.

Interaction of the first and second spring prongs 2410, 2412 with the protrusion 2402, and the resulting motion of the follower guide 2421 relative to the barrel cam cylinder 2420, are described with reference to the cam slot and aperture profiles illustrated in FIGS. 22A-22C. Referring first to FIG. 22A and upon a first actuation of the trigger assembly, the trigger pin initially moves from position BC1′ to BC3′. As the trigger pin moves in this manner, the follower guide 2421 rotates together with the barrel cam cylinder 2420 because the curved tip 2418 of the first spring prong 2410 is engaged with the curved recess 2404 of the protrusion 2402. Stated another way, the first spring prong 2410 engages the protrusion 2402 to initially hold the follower guide 2421 in the first locked position relative to the barrel cam cylinder 2420.

Referring to FIG. 22B and by continuing the first actuation of the trigger assembly, the trigger pin moves from position BC3′ to BC4′. In position BC3′, the trigger pin engages the wall of the follower guide aperture. By moving toward position BC4′, the trigger pin applies a force to the follower guide 2421 that causes the curved tip 2418 of the first spring prong 2410 to slip over and disengage the curved recess 2404 of the protrusion 2402. As a result, the follower guide 2421 is “unlocked” and rotates relative to the barrel cam cylinder 2420 as the trigger pin moves from position BC3′ to BC4′. As the trigger pin approaches position BC4′, the curved tip 2422 of the second spring prong 2412 slips over and engages the curved recess 2404 of the protrusion 2402. The follower guide 2421 thereby enters the second locked position relative to the barrel cam cylinder 2420.

When the user releases the trigger assembly, the trigger pin moves from position BC4′ to BC6′. As the trigger pin moves in this manner, the follower guide 2421 rotates together with the barrel cam cylinder 2420 because the curved tip 2422 of the second spring prong 2412 is engaged with the curved recess 2404 of the protrusion 2402. Stated another way, the second spring prong 2412 engages the protrusion 2402 to hold the follower guide 2421 in the second locked position relative to the barrel cam cylinder 2420 after the first actuation of the trigger assembly.

Still referring to FIG. 22B and upon a second actuation of the trigger assembly, the trigger pin initially moves from position BC6′ to BC8′. As the trigger pin moves in this manner, the follower guide 2421 rotates together with the barrel cam cylinder 2420 because the curved tip 2422 of the second spring prong 2412 is engaged with the curved recess 2404 of the protrusion 2402. Stated another way, the second spring prong 2412 engages the protrusion 2402 to initially hold the follower guide 2421 in the second locked position relative to the barrel cam cylinder 2420.

Referring to FIG. 22C and by continuing the second actuation of the trigger assembly, the trigger pin moves from position BC8′ to BC9′. In position BC8′, the trigger pin engages the wall of the follower guide aperture. By moving toward position BC9′, the trigger pin applies a force to the follower guide 2421 that causes the curved tip 2422 of the second spring prong 2412 to slip over and disengage the curved recess 2404 of the protrusion 2402. As a result, the follower guide 2421 is “unlocked” and rotates relative to the barrel cam cylinder 2420 as the trigger pin moves from position BC8′ to BC9′. As the trigger pin approaches position BC9′, the curved tip 2418 of the first spring prong 2410 slips over and engages the curved recess 2404 of the protrusion 2402. The follower guide 2421 thereby returns to the first locked position relative to the barrel cam cylinder 2420.

When the user releases the trigger assembly, the trigger pin moves from position BC9′ to BC1′. As the trigger pin moves in this manner, the follower guide 2421 rotates together with the barrel cam cylinder 2420 because the curved tip 2418 of the first spring prong 2410 is engaged with the curved recess 2404 of the protrusion 2402. Stated another way, the first spring prong 2410 engages the protrusion 2402 to hold the follower guide 2421 in the first locked position relative to the barrel cam cylinder 2420 after the second actuation of the trigger assembly.

In addition and as shown in FIG. 24, the first engagement surface 2413 of the follower guide 2421 engages the first engagement surface 2406 of the protrusion 2402 in the first locked position to inhibit the follower guide 2421 from rotating in a direction away from the second locked position. The second engagement surface 2414 of the follower guide 2421 engages the second engagement surface 2408 of the protrusion 2402 in the second locked position to inhibit the follower guide 2421 from rotating in a direction away from the first locked position.

Referring now to FIGS. 29-30, an exemplary barrel cam assembly 2919 is depicted. The barrel cam assembly 2919 may be used with a surgical device, such as the surgical device 1206 described above, in place of the barrel cam assembly 1519. The barrel cam assembly 2919 includes a barrel cam cylinder 2920 that rotatably carries a follower guide 2921. The barrel cam cylinder 2920 and the follower guide 2921 may have the same features as any of the barrel cam cylinders and the follower guides, respectively, described herein (for example, the cam groove 1544 and the follower aperture 1565, respectively), with the exception of the relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism.

The barrel cam assembly 2919 includes a relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism 2975 that inhibits some rotation of the follower guide 2921 relative to the barrel cam cylinder 2920. Generally, the relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism 2975 permits the follower guide 2921 to move from a first relative rotation-inhibiting position (referred to as the “first locked position” for simplicity) to a second relative rotation-inhibiting position (referred to as the “first locked position” for simplicity) and vice versa. In the first locked position, the mechanism 2975 initially inhibits the follower guide 2921 from rotating in a first direction relative to the barrel cam cylinder 2920 (that is, toward the second locked position) and inhibits rotation of the follower guide 2921 in a second direction relative to the barrel cam cylinder 2920. In the second locked position, the mechanism 2975 initially inhibits the follower guide 2921 from rotating in the second direction relative to the barrel cam cylinder 2920 (that is, toward the first locked position) and inhibits rotation of the follower guide 2921 in the first direction relative to the barrel cam cylinder 2920.

The relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism 2975 includes a radially-outwardly projecting pin 2902 carried near the proximal end of the barrel cam cylinder 2920. The pin 2902 may be coupled to the barrel cam cylinder 2920 in various manners. For example, the pin 2902 may be press fitted or adhered in a hole formed on the barrel cam cylinder 2920. In some embodiments, the relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism 2975 also includes a radially outwardly-facing curved recess 2904 formed near the proximal end of the barrel cam cylinder 2920. The curved recess 2904 may be angularly offset from the pin 2902 about the longitudinal axis of the barrel cam cylinder 2920.

The relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism 2975 also includes a spring arm 2908, a first transversely-facing engagement surface 2913, and a second transversely-facing engagement surface 2914 formed near the proximal end of the follower guide 2921.

The spring arm 2908 is cantilever from the remainder of the follower guide 2921 at a first end. At an opposite end, the spring arm 2908 includes a radially inwardly-facing curved finger 2910. The finger 2910 selectively engages the curved recess 2904 of the barrel cam cylinder 2920 to inhibit rotation of the follower guide 2921 relative to the barrel cam cylinder 2920. This aspect is described in further detail below.

Interaction of the spring arm 2908 with the barrel cam cylinder 2920, and the resulting motion of the follower guide 2921 relative to the barrel cam cylinder 2920, are described with reference to the cam slot and aperture profiles illustrated in FIGS. 22A-22C. Referring first to FIG. 22A and upon a first actuation of the trigger assembly, the trigger pin initially moves from position BC1′ to BC3′. As the trigger pin moves in this manner, the follower guide 2921 rotates together with the barrel cam cylinder 2920 because the finger 2910 is engaged with the curved recess 2904 of the barrel cam cylinder 2920. Stated another way, the finger 2910 engages the curved recess 2904 to initially hold the follower guide 2921 in the first locked position relative to the barrel cam cylinder 2920.

Referring to FIG. 22B and by continuing the first actuation of the trigger assembly, the trigger pin moves from position BC3′ to BC4′. In position BC3′, the trigger pin engages the wall of the follower guide aperture. By moving toward position BC4′, the trigger pin applies a force to the follower guide 2921 that causes the finger 2910 to slip over and disengage the curved recess 2904 of the barrel cam cylinder 2920. As a result, the follower guide 2921 is “unlocked” and rotates relative to the barrel cam cylinder 2920 as the trigger pin moves from position BC3′ to BC4′. The finger 2910 slips over and engages the outer surface of the barrel cam cylinder 2920 as the follower guide 2921 rotates relative to the barrel cam cylinder 2920. As the trigger pin approaches position BC4′, the finger 2910 remains engaged with the curved recess 2904 of the barrel cam cylinder 2920. The follower guide 2921 thereby enters the second locked position relative to the barrel cam cylinder 2920.

When the user releases the trigger assembly, the trigger pin moves from position BC4′ to BC6′. As the trigger pin moves in this manner, the follower guide 2921 rotates together with the barrel cam cylinder 2920 because the finger 2910 is engaged with the outer surface of the barrel cam cylinder 2920. Stated another way, the finger 2910 remains engaged with the outer surface of the barrel cam cylinder 2920 to hold the follower guide 2921 in the second locked position relative to the barrel cam cylinder 2920 after the first actuation of the trigger assembly.

Still referring to FIG. 22B and upon a second actuation of the trigger assembly, the trigger pin initially moves from position BC6′ to BC8′. As the trigger pin moves in this manner, the follower guide 2921 rotates together with the barrel cam cylinder 2920 due to frictional forces between the finger 2910 and the outer surface of the barrel cam cylinder 2920. Stated another way, the finger 2910 engages the outer surface of the barrel cam cylinder 2920 to initially hold the follower guide 2921 in the second locked position relative to the barrel cam cylinder 2920.

Referring to FIG. 22C and by continuing the second actuation of the trigger assembly, the trigger pin moves from position BC8′ to BC9′. In position BC8′, the trigger pin engages the wall of the follower guide aperture. By moving toward position BC9′, the trigger pin applies a force to the follower guide 2921 that overcomes the frictional forces between the finger 2910 and the outer surface of the barrel cam cylinder 2920. As a result, the finger 2910 slips over the outer surface of the barrel cam cylinder 2920, and the follower guide 2921 is “unlocked” and rotates relative to the barrel cam cylinder 2920 as the trigger pin moves from position BC8′ to BC9′. As the trigger pin approaches position BC9′, the finger 2910 slips over and engages the curved recess 2904 of barrel cam cylinder 2920. The follower guide 2921 thereby returns to the first locked position relative to the barrel cam cylinder 2920.

When the user releases the trigger assembly, the trigger pin moves from position BC9′ to BC1′. As the trigger pin moves in this manner, the follower guide 2921 rotates together with the barrel cam cylinder 2920 because the finger 2910 is engaged with the curved recess 2904 of the barrel cam cylinder 2920. Stated another way, the finger 2910 engages the protrusion 2902 to hold the follower guide 2921 in the first locked position relative to the barrel cam cylinder 2920 after the second actuation of the trigger assembly.

In addition and as shown in FIG. 29, the first engagement surface 2913 of the follower guide 2921 engages the pin 2902 of the barrel cam cylinder 2920 in the first locked position to inhibit the follower guide 2921 from rotating in a direction away from the second locked position. The second engagement surface 2914 of the follower guide 2921 engages the pin 2902 in the second locked position to inhibit the follower guide 2921 from rotating in a direction away from the first locked position.

In some embodiments, the barrel cam cylinder 2920 includes a second radially outwardly-facing curved recess (not shown) that receives the finger 2910 in the second locked position of the follower guide 2921. In some embodiments, the barrel cam cylinder 2920 lacks any radially outwardly-facing curved recesses. Instead, the finger 2910 remains in engagement with the outer surface of the barrel cam cylinder 2920 in the first locked position, the second locked position, and the unlocked position.

Referring now to FIG. 31, an exemplary barrel cam assembly 3119 is depicted. The barrel cam assembly 3119 may be used with a surgical device, such as the surgical device 1206 described above, in place of the barrel cam assembly 1519. The barrel cam assembly 3119 includes a barrel cam cylinder 3120 that rotatably carries a follower guide 3121. The barrel cam cylinder 3120 and the follower guide 3121 may have the same features as any of the barrel cam cylinders and the follower guides, respectively, described herein (for example, the cam groove 1544 and the follower aperture 1565, respectively), with the exception of the relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism.

The barrel cam assembly 3119 includes a relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism 3175 that inhibits some rotation of the follower guide 3121 relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3120. Generally, the relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism 3175 permits the follower guide 3121 to move from a first relative rotation-inhibiting position (referred to as the “first locked position” for simplicity) to a second relative rotation-inhibiting position (referred to as the “first locked position” for simplicity) and vice versa. In the first locked position, the mechanism 3175 initially inhibits the follower guide 3121 from rotating in a first direction relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3120 (that is, toward the second locked position) and inhibits rotation of the follower guide 3121 in a second direction relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3120. In the second locked position, the mechanism 3175 initially inhibits the follower guide 3121 from rotating in the second direction relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3120 (that is, toward the first locked position) and inhibits rotation of the follower guide 3121 in the first direction relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3120.

The relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism 3175 includes a radially-outwardly projecting pin 3102 carried near the proximal end of the barrel cam cylinder 3120. The pin 3102 may be coupled to the barrel cam cylinder 3120 in various manners. For example, the pin 3102 may be press fitted or adhered in a hole formed on the barrel cam cylinder 3120.

The relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism 3175 also includes first and second spherical elements 3108 and 3110. The first and second spherical elements 3108 and 3110 are fixedly received in cylindrical blind holes formed in the outer surface of the barrel cam cylinder 3120. The first and second spherical elements 3108 and 3110 protrude from the holes to engage the inner surface of the follower guide 3121. As such, the first and second spherical elements 3108 and 3110 facilitate frictional engagement between the barrel cam cylinder 3120 and the follower guide 3121.

In some embodiments, the first and second spherical elements 3108 and 3110 are press fitted into the holes on the barrel cam cylinder 3120. In some embodiments, the first and second spherical elements 3108 and 3110 may be disposed near the proximal end and the distal end, respectively, of the barrel cam cylinder 3120. In some embodiments, the first and second spherical elements 3108 and 3110 are formed of steel, polyethylene, or the like. In some embodiments, the first and second spherical elements 3108 and 3110 are similar to the rolling elements, or balls, of a ball bearing.

The relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism 3175 further includes a first transversely-facing engagement surface 3113 and a second transversely-facing engagement surface 3114 formed near the proximal end of the follower guide 3121.

In some embodiments, the relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism 3175 further includes a through hole 3112 formed on the follower guide 3121. The through hole 3112 has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the first spherical element 3108. The through hole 3112 receives the first spherical element 3108 in the first locked position of the follower guide 3121. Entry of the first spherical element 3108 in the through hole 3112 provides tactile feedback to the device user.

Interaction of the first and second spherical elements 3108 and 3110 with the follower guide 3121, and the resulting motion of the follower guide 3121 relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3120, are described with reference to the cam slot and aperture profiles illustrated in FIGS. 22A-22C. Referring first to FIG. 22A and upon a first actuation of the trigger assembly, the trigger pin initially moves from position BC1′ to BC3′. As the trigger pin moves in this manner, the follower guide 3121 rotates together with the barrel cam cylinder 3120 due to the frictional forces between the first and second spherical elements 3108 and 3110 and the follower guide 3121. Stated another way, the first and second spherical elements 3108 and 3110 initially hold the follower guide 3121 in the first locked position relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3120.

Referring to FIG. 22B and by continuing the first actuation of the trigger assembly, the trigger pin moves from position BC3′ to BC4′. In position BC3′, the trigger pin engages the wall of the follower guide aperture. By moving toward position BC4′, the trigger pin applies a force to the follower guide 3121 that overcomes the frictional forces between the first and second spherical elements 3108 and 3110 and the follower guide 3121. As a result, the first and second spherical elements 3108 and 3110 slip against the follower guide 3121, and the follower guide 3121 is “unlocked” and rotates relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3120 as the trigger pin moves from position BC3′ to BC4′. When the trigger pin reaches position BC4′, the trigger pin no longer applies the force to the follower guide 3121.

When the user releases the trigger assembly, the trigger pin moves from position BC4′ to BC6′. As the trigger pin moves in this manner, the follower guide 3121 rotates together with the barrel cam cylinder 3120 due to the frictional forces between the first and second spherical elements 3108 and 3110 and the follower guide 3121. Stated another way, the first and second spherical elements 3108 and 3110 hold the follower guide 3121 in the second locked position relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3120 after the first actuation of the trigger assembly.

Still referring to FIG. 22B and upon a second actuation of the trigger assembly, the trigger pin initially moves from position BC6′ to BC8′. As the trigger pin moves in this manner, the follower guide 3121 rotates together with the barrel cam cylinder 3120 due to the frictional forces between the first and second spherical elements 3108 and 3110 and the follower guide 3121. Stated another way, the first and second spherical elements 3108 and 3110 initially hold the follower guide 3121 in the second locked position relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3120.

Referring to FIG. 22C and by continuing the second actuation of the trigger assembly, the trigger pin moves from position BC8′ to BC9′. In position BC8′, the trigger pin engages the wall of the follower guide aperture. By moving toward position BC9′, the trigger pin applies a force to the follower guide 3121 that overcomes the frictional forces between the first and second spherical elements 3108 and 3110 and the follower guide 3121. As a result, the first and second spherical elements 3108 and 3110 slip against the follower guide 3121, and the follower guide 3121 is “unlocked” and rotates relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3120 as the trigger pin moves from position BC8′ to BC9′. When the trigger pin reaches position BC9′, the trigger pin no longer applies the force to the follower guide 3121.

When the user releases the trigger assembly, the trigger pin moves from position BC9′ to BC1′. As the trigger pin moves in this manner, the follower guide 3121 rotates together with the barrel cam cylinder 3120 due to the frictional forces between the first and second spherical elements 3108 and 3110 and the follower guide 3121. Stated another way, the first and second spherical elements 3108 and 3110 hold the follower guide 3121 in the first locked position relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3120 after the second actuation of the trigger assembly.

In addition and as shown in FIG. 31, the first engagement surface 3113 of the follower guide 3121 engages the pin 3102 of the barrel cam cylinder 3120 in the first locked position to inhibit the follower guide 3121 from rotating in a direction away from the second locked position. The second engagement surface 3114 of the follower guide 3121 engages the pin 3102 in the second locked position to inhibit the follower guide 3121 from rotating in a direction away from the first locked position.

In some embodiments, the barrel cam assembly 3119 includes one spherical element, or three or more spherical elements. In some embodiments, one or more of the spherical elements 3108 and/or 3110 are received in through holes formed on the follower guide 3121 in the first and/or second locked positions. Entry of the spherical elements in the through holes provides tactile feedback to the device user.

Referring now to FIG. 32, an exemplary barrel cam assembly 3219 is depicted. The barrel cam assembly 3219 may be used with a surgical device, such as the surgical device 1206 described above, in place of the barrel cam assembly 1519. The barrel cam assembly 3219 includes a barrel cam cylinder 3220 that rotatably carries a follower guide 3221. The barrel cam cylinder 3220 and the follower guide 3221 may have the same features as any of the barrel cam cylinders and the follower guides, respectively, described herein (for example, the cam groove 1544 and the follower aperture 1565, respectively), with the exception of the relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism.

The barrel cam assembly 3219 includes a relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism 3275 that inhibits some rotation of the follower guide 3221 relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3220. Generally, the relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism 3275 permits the follower guide 3221 to move from a first relative rotation-inhibiting position (referred to as the “first locked position” for simplicity) to a second relative rotation-inhibiting position (referred to as the “first locked position” for simplicity) and vice versa. In the first locked position, the mechanism 3275 initially inhibits the follower guide 3221 from rotating in a first direction relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3220 (that is, toward the second locked position) and inhibits rotation of the follower guide 3221 in a second direction relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3220. In the second locked position, the mechanism 3275 initially inhibits the follower guide 3221 from rotating in the second direction relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3220 (that is, toward the first locked position) and inhibits rotation of the follower guide 3221 in the first direction relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3220.

The relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism 3275 includes a longitudinally extending tab 3277 formed near the proximal end of the follower guide 3221. The tab 3277 engages a semi-annular flange 3279 formed near the proximal end of the barrel cam cylinder 3220. As shown in FIG. 31, the tab 3277 engages one side of the flange 3279 in the first locked position to inhibit the follower guide 3221 from rotating in a direction away from the second locked position. The tab 3277 engages the other side of the flange 3279 in the second locked position to inhibit the follower guide 3221 from rotating in a direction away from the first locked position.

The relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism 3275 also includes a friction element 3208 that is fixedly carried by the barrel cam cylinder 3220. The friction element 3208 engages the follower guide 3221 to provide frictional engagement between the barrel cam cylinder 3220 and the follower guide 3221. In some embodiments, the friction element 3208 is formed by Teflon, polyethylene, nylon, or the like. In some embodiments, the friction element 3208 has a disk shape, a spring washer shape, or a wave washer shape. In some embodiments, the friction element 3208 is adhered to the barrel cam cylinder 3220.

Interaction of the friction element 3208 with the follower guide 3221, and the resulting motion of the follower guide 3221 relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3220, are described with reference to the cam slot and aperture profiles illustrated in FIGS. 22A-22C. Referring first to FIG. 22A and upon a first actuation of the trigger assembly, the trigger pin initially moves from position BC1′ to BC3′. As the trigger pin moves in this manner, the follower guide 3221 rotates together with the barrel cam cylinder 3220 due to the frictional forces between the friction element 3208 and the follower guide 3221. Stated another way, the friction element 3208 initially holds the follower guide 3221 in the first locked position relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3220.

Referring to FIG. 22B and by continuing the first actuation of the trigger assembly, the trigger pin moves from position BC3′ to BC4′. In position BC3′, the trigger pin engages the wall of the follower guide aperture. By moving toward position BC4′, the trigger pin applies a force to the follower guide 3221 that overcomes the frictional forces between the friction element 3208 and the follower guide 3221. As a result, the friction element 3208 slips against the follower guide 3221, and the follower guide 3221 is “unlocked” and rotates relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3220 as the trigger pin moves from position BC3′ to BC4′. When the trigger pin reaches position BC4′, the trigger pin no longer applies the force to the follower guide 3221.

When the user releases the trigger assembly, the trigger pin moves from position BC4′ to BC6′. As the trigger pin moves in this manner, the follower guide 3221 rotates together with the barrel cam cylinder 3220 due to the frictional forces between the friction element 3208 and the follower guide 3221. Stated another way, the friction element 3208 holds the follower guide 3221 in the second locked position relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3220 after the first actuation of the trigger assembly.

Still referring to FIG. 22B and upon a second actuation of the trigger assembly, the trigger pin initially moves from position BC6′ to BC8′. As the trigger pin moves in this manner, the follower guide 3221 rotates together with the barrel cam cylinder 3220 due to the frictional forces between the friction element 3208 and the follower guide 3221. Stated another way, the friction element 3208 initially holds the follower guide 3221 in the second locked position relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3220.

Referring to FIG. 22C and by continuing the second actuation of the trigger assembly, the trigger pin moves from position BC8′ to BC9′. In position BC8′, the trigger pin engages the wall of the follower guide aperture. By moving toward position BC9′, the trigger pin applies a force to the follower guide 3221 that overcomes the frictional forces between the friction element 3208 and the follower guide 3221. As a result, the friction element 3208 slips against the follower guide 3221, and the follower guide 3221 is “unlocked” and rotates relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3220 as the trigger pin moves from position BC8′ to BC9′. When the trigger pin reaches position BC9′, the trigger pin no longer applies the force to the follower guide 3221.

When the user releases the trigger assembly, the trigger pin moves from position BC9′ to BC1′. As the trigger pin moves in this manner, the follower guide 3221 rotates together with the barrel cam cylinder 3220 due to the frictional forces between the friction element 3208 and the follower guide 3221. Stated another way, the friction element 3208 holds the follower guide 3221 in the first locked position relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3220 after the second actuation of the trigger assembly.

In some embodiments, the barrel cam cylinder 3220 fixedly carries multiple friction elements. In some embodiments, the follower guide 3221 fixedly carries one or more friction elements that engage the outer surface of the barrel cam cylinder 3220.

Referring now to FIGS. 33 and 34, an exemplary barrel cam assembly 3319 is depicted. The barrel cam assembly 3319 may be used with a surgical device, such as the surgical device 1206 described above, in place of the barrel cam assembly 1519. The barrel cam assembly 3319 includes a barrel cam cylinder 3320 that rotatably carries a follower guide 3321. The barrel cam cylinder 3320 and the follower guide 3321 may have the same features as any of the barrel cam cylinders and the follower guides, respectively, described herein (for example, the cam groove 1544 and the follower aperture 1565, respectively), with the exception of the relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism.

The barrel cam assembly 3319 includes a relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism 3375 that inhibits some rotation of the follower guide 3321 relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3320. Generally, the relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism 3375 permits the follower guide 3321 to move from a first relative rotation-inhibiting position (referred to as the “first locked position” for simplicity) to a second relative rotation-inhibiting position (referred to as the “first locked position” for simplicity) and vice versa. In the first locked position, the mechanism 3375 initially inhibits the follower guide 3321 from rotating in a first direction relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3320 (that is, toward the second locked position) and inhibits rotation of the follower guide 3321 in a second direction relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3320. In the second locked position, the mechanism 3375 initially inhibits the follower guide 3321 from rotating in the second direction relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3320 (that is, toward the first locked position) and inhibits rotation of the follower guide 3321 in the first direction relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3320.

The relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism 3375 includes a longitudinally extending tab 3377 formed near the proximal end of the follower guide 3321. The tab 3377 engages a semi-annular flange 3379 formed near the proximal end of the barrel cam cylinder 3320. As shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the tab 3377 engages one side of the flange 3379 in the first locked position to inhibit the follower guide 3321 from rotating in a direction away from the second locked position. The tab 3377 engages the other side of the flange 3379 in the second locked position to inhibit the follower guide 3321 from rotating in a direction away from the first locked position.

The relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism 3375 also includes a first magnetic element 3308 that is fixedly carried by the barrel cam cylinder 3320. The first magnetic element 3308 may be a magnet or may be formed from one or more ferromagnetic materials that are attracted to magnets (for example, steel). The relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism 3375 further includes second and third magnetic elements 3310 and 3312 that are fixedly carried by the follower guide 3321. The second and third magnetic elements 3310 and 3312 may be magnets or may be formed from one or more ferromagnetic materials that are attracted to magnets (for example, steel) if the first magnet element 3308 is a magnet.

Interaction of the first magnetic element 3308 with the second and third magnetic elements 3310 and 3312, and the resulting motion of the follower guide 3321 relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3320, are described with reference to the cam slot and aperture profiles illustrated in FIGS. 22A-22C. Referring first to FIG. 22A and upon a first actuation of the trigger assembly, the trigger pin initially moves from position BC1′ to BC3′. As the trigger pin moves in this manner, the follower guide 3321 rotates together with the barrel cam cylinder 3320 due to the magnetic attraction forces between the first magnetic element 3308 and the second magnetic element 3310. Stated another way, the first magnetic element 3308 and the second magnetic element 3310 initially hold the follower guide 3321 in the first locked position relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3320.

Referring to FIG. 22B and by continuing the first actuation of the trigger assembly, the trigger pin moves from position BC3′ to BC4′. In position BC3′, the trigger pin engages the wall of the follower guide aperture. By moving toward position BC4′, the trigger pin applies a force to the follower guide 3321 that overcomes the magnetic attraction forces between the first magnetic element 3308 and the second magnetic element 3310. As a result, the first magnetic element 3308 and the second magnetic element 3310 move apart, and the follower guide 3321 is “unlocked” and rotates relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3320 as the trigger pin moves from position BC3′ to BC4′. As the trigger pin approaches position BC4′, the first magnetic element 3308 and the third magnetic element 3312 are magnetically attracted to each other. The follower guide 3321 thereby enters the second locked position relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3320.

When the user releases the trigger assembly, the trigger pin moves from position BC4′ to BC6′. As the trigger pin moves in this manner, the follower guide 3321 rotates together with the barrel cam cylinder 3320 due to the magnetic attraction forces between the first magnetic element 3308 and the third magnetic element 3312. Stated another way, the first magnetic element 3308 and the third magnetic element 3312 hold the follower guide 3321 in the second locked position relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3320 after the first actuation of the trigger assembly.

Still referring to FIG. 22B and upon a second actuation of the trigger assembly, the trigger pin initially moves from position BC6′ to BC8′. As the trigger pin moves in this manner, the follower guide 3321 rotates together with the barrel cam cylinder 3320 due to the magnetic attraction forces between the first magnetic element 3308 and the third magnetic element 3312. Stated another way, the first magnetic element 3308 and the third magnetic element 3312 initially hold the follower guide 3321 in the second locked position relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3320.

Referring to FIG. 22C and by continuing the second actuation of the trigger assembly, the trigger pin moves from position BC8′ to BC9′. In position BC8′, the trigger pin engages the wall of the follower guide aperture. By moving toward position BC9′, the trigger pin applies a force to the follower guide 3321 that overcomes the magnetic attraction forces between the first magnetic element 3308 and the third magnetic element 3312. As a result, the first magnetic element 3308 and the third magnetic element 3312 move apart, and the follower guide 3321 is “unlocked” and rotates relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3320 as the trigger pin moves from position BC8′ to BC9′. As the trigger pin approaches position BC9′, the first magnetic element 3308 and the second magnetic element 3310 are magnetically attracted to each other. The follower guide 3321 thereby returns to the first locked position relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3320.

When the user releases the trigger assembly, the trigger pin moves from position BC9′ to BC1′. As the trigger pin moves in this manner, the follower guide 3321 rotates together with the barrel cam cylinder 3320 due to the magnetic attraction forces between the first magnetic element 3308 and the second magnetic element 3310. Stated another way, the first magnetic element 3308 and the second magnetic element 3310 hold the follower guide 3321 in the first locked position relative to the barrel cam cylinder 3320 after the second actuation of the trigger assembly.

In some embodiments, the follower guide 3321 carries one magnetic element, and the barrel cam cylinder 3320 carries two magnetic elements.

FIG. 35 depicts two-dimensional illustrations of the profile of a cutting tip slot 3516, the profile of a barrel cam slot 3544, and the profile of a follower guide aperture 3565 that may be formed on any of the cutting tips, barrel cam cylinders, and follower guides, respectively, described herein. FIGS. 36A-36C depict the how actuation of a trigger (which may be any of the triggers described herein), and the resulting movement of the trigger pin 3528 (which may be any of the trigger pins described herein), results in rotational movement of the barrel cam cylinder, the follower guide, and the cutting tip, and translation movement of the cutting tip. In these figures, a horizontal axis for the profiles of the slots 3516 and 3544 is the degree(s) of rotation of the cutting tip and the barrel cam cylinder. A vertical axis for the profile of the cam slot 3516 for the cutting tip is the amount of longitudinal displacement, if any, of the cutting tip. The vertical axis for the profile of the cam slot 3544 for the barrel cam cylinder is the amount of longitudinal displacement of the trigger assembly (and trigger pin).

In FIGS. 35A-35C, the aperture 3565 of the follower guide is shown as a dashed line and is overlaid on the profile of the cam slot 3544 for the barrel cam cylinder to illustrate the rotational position of the aperture 3565 relative to the cam slot 3544. As shown in FIGS. 35A-35C and explained in further detail below, the rotational position of the aperture 3565 changes relative to the cam slot 3544 during actuation of the trigger.

Generally, an initial, or first, actuation of the trigger (that is, pulling the trigger as far as permitted by the handle assembly and then releasing the trigger so that it returns to its home position) results in a net rotational displacement of the cutting tip and the barrel cam cylinder about 254 degrees in one direction—clockwise when looking from the handle to the tip. The first actuation also extends the cutting tip from the outer band and then returns the cutting tip to the sheathed position as the cutting tip rotates. A subsequent, or second, actuation of the trigger results in a net rotational displacement of the cutting tip and the barrel cam cylinder about 254 degrees in the opposite direction—counter-clockwise when looking from the handle to the tip. The second actuation also extends the cutting tip from the outer band and then returns the cutting tip to the sheathed position as the cutting tip rotates. Additional “odd” actuations (that is, a third actuation, a fifth actuation, and so on) cause the same device motions as the first actuation of the trigger. Additional “even” actuations (that is, a fourth actuation, a sixth actuation, and so on) cause the same device motions as the second actuation of the trigger.

Referring specifically to FIG. 36A, prior to the first actuation of the trigger, the trigger pin is at a first home position (BC1″) within the barrel cam cylinder, the guide pin is at its initial position (CT1″), and the cutting tip is at a recessed position within the outer sheath. In addition, the follower guide is at its first relative rotation-inhibiting position (GS1″) with respect to the barrel cam cylinder. Upon initiating the first actuation of the trigger, the trigger pin moves proximally, and the barrel cam cylinder, the cutting tip, and the follower guide rotate in a clockwise direction relative to the trigger pin (from a vantage point proximal of the barrel cam cylinder). When the trigger pin is at position BC2″, the trigger pin is in the intersection 3545 of the barrel cam slot 3544. Additionally, when the trigger pin is at position BC2″ (i) the barrel cam cylinder and cutting tip have rotated about 127 degrees in a clockwise direction since initiating the first actuation of the trigger, (ii) the guide pin is at position CT2″, and (iii) the cutting tip is at a partially extended position.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 36A, when the trigger pin is at position BC2″, the trigger pin abuts a first curved wall 3567 of the follower guide aperture 3565. Because the first curved wall 3567 of the follower guide aperture 3565 is aligned with one path of the intersection 3545 of the barrel cam slot 3544, the follower guide prevents the trigger pin from traveling in the alternative path and guides the trigger pin straight through the intersection 3545 of the barrel cam slot 3544 as the trigger pin passes position BC2″. In some embodiments, the apex between the first curved wall 3567 and the second curved wall 3569 is offset from the wall of the barrel cam slot 3544 in a longitudinal direction (for example, by about 0.025 inches) to inhibit the trigger pin from engaging the apex. This facilitates guiding the trigger pin straight through the intersection 3545 of the barrel cam slot 3544. In some embodiments, the first curved wall 3567 extends beyond the wall of the barrel cam slot 3544 (for example, the perpendicular distance between the barrel cam slot 3544 and the furthest point on the first curved wall 3567 may be about 0.010 inches) to facilitate smooth motion of the trigger pin as the trigger pin passes through the intersection 3545 and to permit a relatively small amount of misalignment between the barrel cam and the follower guide.

As the user continues to pull the trigger, and the trigger pin continues to move proximally, the barrel cam cylinder, the cutting tip, and the follower guide continue to rotate in a clockwise direction from position BC2″ to position BC3″. When the trigger pin is at position BC3″, (i) the barrel cam cylinder and cutting tip have rotated about 140 degrees in a clockwise direction since initiating the first actuation of the trigger, (ii) the guide pin is at position CT3″, and (iii) the cutting tip is at a fully extended position.

As the user continues to pull the trigger, and the trigger pin continues to move proximally, and the barrel cam cylinder, the cutting tip, and the follower guide continue to rotate in a clockwise direction. Specifically, the trigger pin moves from position BC3″ to position BC4″. When the trigger pin is at position BC4″, (i) the barrel cam cylinder and cutting tip have rotated about 177 degrees in a clockwise direction since initiating the first actuation of the trigger, (ii) the guide pin is at position CT4″, and (iii) the cutting tip is at a partially extended position.

When the trigger pin is at position BC4″, the trigger pin abuts a wall 3571 of the follower guide aperture 3565. As the trigger pin has moved from the first home position (BC1″) to position BC4″, the follower guide and barrel cam cylinder have rotated in unison with one another due to the presence of one of the relative rotation-inhibiting mechanisms described above. For example, the barrel cam cylinder and the follower guide include the relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism 2475 (see FIGS. 24-28). In this case, the first spring prong 2410 on the follower guide has been engaged with the curved recess 2404 of the protrusion 2402 of the barrel cam cylinder, thereby preventing the follower guide and barrel cam cylinder from rotationally moving relative to one another. Referring to FIG. 36B, as the trigger pin moves beyond position BC4″ towards position BC5″, the trigger pin engages the wall 3571 of the follower guide, thereby rotating the follower guide in a counter-clockwise direction relative to the barrel cam cylinder and forcing the follower guide from its first relative rotation-inhibiting position (GS1″) to a movable position. That is, as the trigger pin moves from position BC4″ to position BC5″, the follower guide is in a movable position relative to the barrel cam cylinder. Once the trigger pin reaches position BC5″, the follower guide and barrel cam cylinder are in a second relative rotation-inhibiting position (GS2″). In the second relative rotation-inhibiting position (GS2″), for example, the second spring prong 2412 on the follower guide engages the curved recess 2404 of the protrusion 2402 of the barrel cam cylinder, and a first engagement surface 2413 on the follower guide engages the protrusion 2402 to prevent the follower guide from further rotating in the counter-clockwise direction relative to the barrel cam cylinder.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 36B, as the user continues to pull the trigger to move the trigger pin from position BC4″ to position BC5″, the barrel cam cylinder and the cutting tip continue to rotate in a clockwise direction relative to the trigger pin. The follower guide, however, does not continue to rotate relative to the trigger pin and thereby rotates relative to the barrel cam cylinder. Specifically, the follower guide rotates about 110 degrees in a counter-clockwise direction to a second relative rotation-inhibiting position (GS2″) relative to the barrel cam cylinder. When the trigger pin is at position BC5″ (i) the trigger has reached the end of its proximal travel, (ii) the barrel cam cylinder has rotated about 287 degrees in a clockwise direction since initiating the first actuation of the trigger, (iii) the guide pin is at position CT5″, and (iv) the cutting tip is at its most recessed position. In addition, the cutting tip has rotated a total of about 284 degrees in a clockwise direction since initiating the first actuation of the trigger. The cutting tip rotates less than the barrel cam cylinder because the guide pin engages the wall of the cutting tip slot 3516 (that is, the guide pin reaches position CT5″) before the trigger pin reaches position BC5″. The barrel cam cylinder rotates about 3 degrees in the clockwise direction after the guide pin engages the wall of the cutting tip slot 3516. As a result, the barrel cam cylinder rotates about 3 degrees relative to the cutting tip when the trigger pin approaches position BC5″. The relative rotation between the barrel cam cylinder and the cutting tip is accounted for by rotational deflection of the flexible inner sheath.

After the trigger pin reaches position BC5″, the user can release the trigger. Upon the user releasing the trigger, the trigger and trigger pin reverse direction and travel toward their distal position due to the constant force spring attached to the trigger. As the trigger and trigger pin begin to move toward their distal position, the barrel cam cylinder and cutting tip are rotationally stationary relative to the trigger pin. Accordingly, upon the user releasing the trigger, the trigger pin moves from position BC5″ toward position BC6″. When the trigger is at position BC6″ (i) the barrel cam cylinder has rotated about 287 degrees in a clockwise direction since initiating the first actuation of the trigger (ii) the guide pin is still at position CT5″, and (iii) the cutting tip is still at its most recessed position. At position BC6″, however, the trigger pin is still not at its most distal position. To reach the trigger pin's most distal position BC7″, the barrel cam cylinder rotates about 33 degrees in a counter-clockwise direction. In some embodiments, the trigger pin engages a radiused corner of the wall of the barrel cam slot 3544 and/or the wall of the follower guide aperture 3565 (for example, a 0.050 inch radius) when moving from position BC6″ to position BC7″. Such a structure may facilitate reliably sliding the trigger pin to position BC7″. When the trigger pin is at position BC7″, the trigger pin is at a second home position within the barrel cam cylinder. When the trigger pin is at position BC7″, (i) the barrel cam cylinder and the cutting tip have rotated a total of about 254 degrees in a clockwise direction since initiating the first actuation of the trigger, (ii) the guide pin is at position CT7″, and (iii) the cutting tip is recessed within the outer sheath.

Still referring to FIG. 36B, when the trigger pin is at its second home position (BC7″), the follower guide is at its second relative rotation-inhibiting position (GS2″). Upon initiating a second actuation of the trigger to move the trigger pin proximally, the follower guide and the barrel cam cylinder remain stationary with respect to one another, and the barrel cam cylinder, the cutting tip, and the follower guide rotate in a counter-clockwise direction. When the trigger pin is at position BC8″, (i) the barrel cam cylinder and cutting tip have rotated about 114 degrees in a counter-clockwise direction since initiating the second actuation of the trigger, (ii) the guide pin is at position CT8″, and (iii) the cutting tip is at its most extended position.

As the user continues the second actuation of the trigger, and the trigger pin continues to move proximally, the barrel cam cylinder, the cutting tip, and the follower guide continue to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction relative to the trigger pin. When the trigger pin is at position BC9″, (i) the barrel cam cylinder and cutting tip have rotated about 127 degrees in a counter-clockwise direction since initiating the second actuation of the trigger, (ii) the guide pin is at position CT9″, (iii) the cutting tip is at a partially extended position, and (iv) the trigger pin is at the intersection 3545 of the barrel cam slot 3544. When the trigger pin is at position BC9″, the trigger pin abuts a second curved wall 3569 of the follower guide aperture 3565. Because the second curved wall 3569 of the follower guide aperture 3565 is aligned with one path of the intersection 3545 of the barrel cam slot 3544, the follower guide prevents the trigger pin from traveling in the alternative path and guides the trigger pin straight through the intersection 3545 of the barrel cam slot 3544 as the trigger pin passes position BC9″.

As the user continues to actuate the trigger, and the trigger pin continues to move proximally, the barrel cam cylinder, the cutting tip, and the follower guide continue to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction. When the trigger pin is at position BC10″, (i) the barrel cam cylinder and cutting tip have rotated about 177 degrees in a clockwise direction since initiating the second actuation of the trigger, (ii) the guide pin is at position CT10″, (iii) the cutting tip is at a partially extended position, and (iv) the trigger pin abuts a wall 3573 of the follower guide aperture 3565.

As the trigger pin has moved from its second home position (BC7″) to position BC10″, the follower guide and barrel cam cylinder have rotated in unison with one another due to the presence of the relative rotation-inhibiting mechanism. For example, the second spring prong 2412 on the follower guide has been engaged with the curved recess 2404 of the protrusion 2402 of the barrel cam cylinder, thereby preventing the follower guide and barrel cam cylinder from rotationally moving relative to one another. Referring to FIG. 36C, as the trigger pin moves beyond position BC10″ towards position BC11″, the trigger pin engages the wall 3573 of the follower guide, thereby rotating the follower guide in the clockwise direction relative to the barrel cam cylinder and forcing the follower guide from its second relative rotation-inhibiting position (GS2″) to a movable position. That is, as the trigger pin moves from position BC10″ to position BC11″, the follower guide is in a movable position relative to the barrel cam cylinder. Once the trigger pin reaches position BC11″, the follower guide and barrel cam cylinder have returned to the first relative rotation-inhibiting position (GS1″). In the first relative rotation-inhibiting position (GS1″), for example, the first spring prong 2410 on the follower guide engages the curved recess 2404 of the protrusion 2402 of the barrel cam cylinder, and a second engagement surface 2414 on the follower guide (see FIG. 25) engages the protrusion 2402 to prevent the follower guide from further rotating in the clockwise direction relative to the barrel cam cylinder.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 36C, as the user continues the second actuation of the trigger, and the trigger pin continues to move proximally, the barrel cam cylinder and the cutting tip continue to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction. The follower guide, however, does not continue to rotate relative to the trigger pin, and the trigger pin rotates only relative to the barrel cam cylinder. Specifically, the follower guide rotates about 110 degrees in a clockwise direction to the first relative rotation-inhibiting position (GS1″) relative to the barrel cam cylinder. When the trigger pin is at position BC11″ (i) the trigger has reached the end of its proximal travel, (ii) the barrel cam cylinder and the cutting tip have rotated about 287 degrees in a counter-clockwise direction since initiating the second actuation of the trigger, (iii) the guide pin is at position CT11″, and (iv) the cutting tip is at its most recessed position.

After the trigger pin reaches position BC11″, the user can release the trigger. Upon the user releasing the trigger, the trigger and trigger pin reverse direction and travel toward their distal position due to the constant force spring attached to the trigger. As the trigger and trigger pin begin to move toward their distal position, the barrel cam cylinder and cutting tip are rotationally stationary relative to the trigger pin. Accordingly, upon the user releasing the trigger, the trigger pin moves from position BC11″ toward position BC12″. When the trigger is at position BC12″ (i) the barrel cam cylinder and the cutting tip are still rotated about 287 degrees in a counter-clockwise direction since initiating the second actuation of the trigger (ii) the guide pin is still at position CT11″, and (iii) the cutting tip is still at its most recessed position. As the trigger and trigger pin continue to move toward their distal position, the barrel cam cylinder and cutting tip rotate about 33 degrees in a clockwise direction relative to the trigger pin and the trigger pin returns to its first home position (BC1″). In some embodiments, the trigger pin engages a radiused corner of the wall of the barrel cam slot 3544 and/or the wall of the follower guide aperture 3565 (for example, a 0.050 inch radius) when moving from position BC12″ to position BC1″. Such a structure may facilitate reliably sliding the trigger pin to position BC1″. When the trigger pin returns to its first home position (BC1″), the guide pin returns to its initial position (CT1″), and the cutting tip remains at a recessed position within the outer sheath. The user may then repeat the process, if so desired.

FIG. 37 depicts a two-dimensional illustration of the profile of a barrel cam slot 3744 that may be formed on any of the barrel cam cylinders described herein. The cam slot 3744 defines a generally “hourglass”-like or “figure eight”-like path for the follower (for example, the trigger pin 1528). The trigger pin traverses about half of the cam slot 3744 when an initial, or first, actuation is applied to the trigger, and the trigger pin traverses the remainder of the cam slot 3744 (that is, about half of the cam slot 3744) when a subsequent, or second, actuation is applied to the trigger. In each case, the follower guide (for example, the follower guide 1521) causes the trigger pin to travel straight through the intersection (or crossing portion) 3745 of the cam slot 3744 during each actuation of the trigger. Stated another way, the follower guide causes the trigger pin to travel from a first leg 3747 of the cam slot 3744 to a second leg 3749 of the cam slot 3744, and then from a third leg 3751 of the cam slot 3744 to a fourth leg 3753 of the cam slot 3744.

Each of the legs 3747, 3749, 3751, and 3753 is shaped to inhibit the trigger pin from engaging the walls of the legs 3747, 3749, 3751, and 3753 when travelling through the intersection 3745 and potentially binding up with the barrel cam assembly. In some embodiments, each of the legs 3747, 3749, 3751, and 3753 has a width that taperingly increases proceeding toward the intersection 3745. Specifically, the first leg 3747 includes a first angled wall 3760 that is adjacent to the intersection 3745 and disposed on a distal side of the first leg 3747. The first angled wall 3760 is angled away from the first trigger pin path 3762 (that is, the path traversed by the trigger pin during the first actuation of the trigger) proceeding toward the intersection 3745. The first angled wall 3760 may have a length in the range of about 0.25 to 0.40 inches, and more specifically about 0.33 inches, and may be angled away from the first trigger pin path 3762 by an angle in the range of about 1 to 7 degrees, and more specifically about 4 degrees. Similarly, the second leg 3749 includes a second angled wall 3764 that is adjacent to the intersection 3745 and disposed on a distal side of the second leg 3749. The second angled wall 3764 is angled away from the first trigger pin path 3762 proceeding toward the intersection 3745. The second angled wall 3764 may have a length in the range of about 0.18 to 0.32 inches, and more specifically about 0.25 inches, and may be angled away from the first trigger pin path 3762 by an angle in the range of about 4 to 10 degrees, and more specifically about 7 degrees. The third leg 3751 includes a third angled wall 3766 that is adjacent to the intersection 3745 and disposed on a distal side of the third leg 3751. The third angled wall 3766 is angled away from the second trigger pin path 3768 (that is, the path traversed by the trigger pin during the second actuation of the trigger) proceeding toward the intersection 3745. The third angled wall 3766 may have a length in the range of about 0.25 to 0.40 inches, and more specifically about 0.33 inches, and may be angled away from the second trigger pin path 3768 by an angle in the range of about 1 to 7 degrees, and more specifically about 4 degrees. The fourth leg 3753 includes a fourth angled wall 3770 that is adjacent to the intersection 3745 and disposed on a distal side of the fourth leg 3753. The fourth angled wall 3770 is angled away from the second trigger pin path 3768 proceeding toward the intersection 3745. The fourth angled wall 3770 may have a length in the range of about 0.18 to 0.32 inches, and more specifically about 0.25 inches, and may be angled away from the second trigger pin path 3768 by an angle in the range of about 4 to 10 degrees, and more specifically about 7 degrees.

The discussion above describes a barrel cam cylinder and a follower guide in the context of a medical device. However, barrel cam cylinders and follower guides according to the disclosure may be used with other types of devices (for example, non-medical devices) to convert a translational input to a rotational output. That is, barrel cam cylinders and follower guides according to the disclosure may be used such that a first translational input (for example, a first actuation of a translatable trigger) causes a first rotational output (for example, rotation of a shaft in a first direction) and a second translational input (for example, a second actuation of the translatable trigger) causes a second rotational output (for example, rotation of the shaft in a second direction).

The discussion above discusses that the inner sheath, including the cutting tip, travel at certain rates (e.g., constant and/or variable). However, the rates are also dependent upon the speed at which the inner sheath rotates and travels longitudinally (i.e., extends and/or retracts), and in turn, upon the speed of the actuation of the trigger assembly, including the longitudinal movement of the trigger and the rotational movement of the barrel cam cylinder. Accordingly, the discussion and/or comparison of the rates at which the blade travels assumes that the means for actuating extends the inner sheath at a relatively constant speed. Regardless of whether this assumption is correct, the greater the amount of blade extension per predetermined amount of rotation, the blade will extend at a greater rate and speed, thereby providing the surgical device with the ability to cut more tissue per rotation.

Referring to FIG. 38, there is depicted an elevation view of an alternative embodiment of a distal portion of an assembled sheath assembly 3812 of the present disclosure. The sheath assembly 3812 includes an inner sheath assembly and an outer sheath assembly. Referring to FIG. 38A, which illustrates an cross-sectional view of the distal end of the sheath assembly 3812, and referring to FIG. 39, which is an exploded illustration of the distal end of the sheath assembly 3812, the sheath assembly 3812 may include may include some or all of the following components: an outer band 3836; a guide pin 3840; a cutting tip 3832; a flexible inner sheath 3820; a flexible outer sheath 3824; an outer jacket 3828; an inner key (not shown); an outer key (not shown); and a rigid inner tube (not shown). Although the inner key, the outer key, and the rigid inner tube are not shown, in FIG. 38, those items are depicted in FIGS. 6-8 and 16-18.

The sheath assembly 3812 depicted in FIGS. 38-39 is similar to the sheath assembly 112 depicted in FIGS. 6-8 and the sheath assembly 1212 depicted in FIGS. 16-18, but the embodiment of the sheath assembly 112 depicted in FIGS. 38-39 creates a smaller profile. That is, the overall diameter of the sheath assembly 3812 depicted in FIGS. 38-39 is smaller than the outer diameter of the sheath assembly 112 depicted in FIGS. 6-8 and the sheath assembly 1212 depicted in FIGS. 16-18. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 & 8, the flexible inner sheath 620 is affixed to the cutting tip 632 in an overlapping manner. Specifically, the proximal end of the cutting tip 632 is inserted into the distal end of the flexible inner sheath 620 such that the flexible inner sheath 620 overlaps the proximal end of the cutting tip 632. The sheath assembly 1212 depicted in FIGS. 16-18 has a similar overlapping design that depicted of the sheath assembly 112 of FIGS. 6-8. This overlapping design may increase the overall thickness and diameter of the sheath assembly, thereby potentially increasing the difficulty level of the surgical device's ability, particularly the sheath assembly's ability, to navigate through small diameter vasculature.

The sheath assembly 3812 depicted in FIG. 39 provides a smaller profile in comparison to the sheath assemblies 112 and 1212 depicted in FIGS. 6-8 and FIGS. 16-18, respectively, thereby increasing the surgical device's ease and ability, particularly the sheath assembly's ability, to navigate through small diameter vasculature. As illustrated in FIGS. 38-39, the sheath assembly 3812 has a non-overlapping design. That is, flexible outer sheath 3824 abuts the outer band 3836 in a non-overlapping manner, and the inner sheath 3820 abuts the flexible inner sheath 3820 in a non-overlapping manner. Stated differently, the outer band 3836 is not inserted into the flexible outer sheath 3824. Rather, the proximal end of the outer band 3836 abuts and is welded to the distal end of the flexible outer sheath 3824 such that the diameters of the lumens of the outer band 3836 and the flexible outer sheath 3824 diametrically align. Similarly, the cutting tip 3832 is not inserted into the flexible inner sheath 382. Rather, the proximal end of the cutting tip 3832 abuts and is welded to the distal end of the flexible inner sheath 3820 such that the diameters of the lumens of the cutting tip 3832 and the flexible inner sheath 3820 diametrically align.

As a result of the non-overlapping design, the sheath assembly 3812, particularly the outer jacket 3828, outer sheath 3824, and inner sheath 3820 may have the following dimensions:

TABLE 1 Outer Sheath Inner Sheath Outer Jacket Inner Outer Inner Outer Inner Outer Diameter Diameter Diameter Diameter Diameter Diameter (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) Size (in.) (in.) +/−0.005 +/−0.005 +/−0.005 +/−0.005  9F 0.156-0.158 0.183-0.191 0.157 0.177 0.119 0.139 11F 0.182-0.184 0.209-0.217 0.183 0.203 0.145 0.165 13F 0.208-0.210 0.235-0.243 0.209 0.229 0.171 0.191

Referring to FIGS. 40 and 40A, there is depicted an enlarged view of the distal end of the outer sheath assembly 3802. As will be discussed in more detail below, the outer sheath assembly may include a hypotube 3824. As will also be discussed in more detail below, the hypotube 3824 includes a plurality of segments with different flexibilities resulting from the design of the kerfs in such segments. However, it may be preferable for the most distal end of the hypotube 3824 to include an uncut segment 3842, which abuts the proximal end of the outer band 3836. It will be this uncut segment 3842 of the hypotube 3824 that is welded to the outer band 3836 in a non-overlapping manner such that the diameters of the lumens of the outer band 3836 and the flexible outer sheath 3824 diametrically align. Referring to FIGS. 41 and 41A, the inner sheath assembly may include a hypotube 3820. And it may be preferable for the most distal end of the hypotube 3820 to include an uncut segment 3832, which abuts the proximal end of the cutting tip 3832. It will be this uncut segment 3842 of the hypotube 3824 that is welded to the cutting tip 3832 in a non-overlapping manner such that the diameters of the lumens of the cutting tip 3832 and the flexible inner sheath 3820 diametrically align.

Referring to FIGS. 42, 42A and 42B, there is depicted the outer sheath 3824 constructed of a hypotube having multiple segments 3842, 3844, 3846, 3848. Segment 3842 is the most distal segment, and segment 3848 is the most proximal segment. Segments 3842, 3848 are uncut segments, and segments 3844, 3846 are cut segments. That is, segments 3842, 3848 do not include kerfs, and segments 3844, 3846 include kerfs. Although segments 3844, 3846 include kerfs, segment 3844 may have a consistent flexibility from its distal end to its proximal end, and segment 3846 may have a variable flexibility from its distal end to its proximal end. That is, the flexibility of the segment 3846 may vary in a manner such that the segment 3846 has a lower flexibility at its distal end and a greater flexibility at its proximal end. Stated differently, the flexibility of the segment 3846 may vary in a manner such that flexibility decreases from its distal end to its proximal end. Additionally, the distal cut segment 3844 may be more flexible in comparison to the proximal cut segment 3846. Although only four segments of the hypotube are depicted in FIG. 42 and described herein, less than or more than four segments may be included within the hypotube. And the segments may include a variety of cut and uncut configurations to yield the flexibility characteristics of the hypotube.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 42 and 42B, uncut segment 3842 may have a length of about 0.025 inches, constant flexible (cut) segment 3844 may have a length of about 3.0 inches, variable flexible (cut) segment 3846 may have a length of about 3.732 inches, and uncut segment 3848 may have a length of about 2.0 inches. Segment 3844 may have a consistent flexibility because this segment has a consistent pattern of alternating kerfs 3849 and non-kerf 3851 portions over its length. For example, the pattern of alternating kerfs 3849 and non-kerf 3851 portions for segment 3844 may include a kerf 3849 having a width 3850 of about 0.001 inches and a length 3852 of about 120° of the circumference followed by a non-kerf portion 3851 having a length 3854 of about 31.5° of the circumference over a longitudinal length of 3.0 inches. It may also be desirable for the kerfs 3849 (or portions thereof) adjacent one another along the axial length of the segment 3844 to be consistently spaced at a constant pitch (P) of about 0.025 inches. As depicted in FIG. 44, the kerfs 3849 may also be offset from an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the outer sheath 3824 at a pitch angle (Θ) of about 2.0° to about 3.0°, particularly about 2.0°, 2.1°, 2.2°, 2.3°, 2.4°, 2.5°, 2.6°, 2.7°, 2.8°, 2.9° or 3.0°. The pitch angle may be the same over the entire length of segment 3844, the pitch angle may increase from the distal end of segment 3844 to its proximal end, or the pitch angle may decrease from the distal end of the segment 3844 to its proximal end.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 42 variable flexible (cut) segment 3846 has a decreasing flexibility from its distal end to its proximal end because this pitch of the kerfs 3849 increases from its distal end to its proximal end. That is, although segment 3846 has a consistent pattern of alternating kerfs 3849 and non-kerf portions 3851 over its length, for example, alternating kerfs 3849 for about 120° of the circumference followed by a non-kerf 3851 portion for about 31.5° of the circumference over a longitudinal length of 3.732 inches, the distance between the kerfs 3849 (or portions thereof) adjacent one another along the axial length of the segment 3844 is spaced at an increasing pitch of about 0.025 inches to 0.080 inches from its distal end to its proximal end.

The kerfs 3849 may also be offset from an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the outer sheath 3824 at a pitch angle (Θ) of about 2.0° to about 10.0°, particularly about 2.0°, 3.0°, 4.0°, 5.0°, 6.0°, 7.0°, 8.0°, 9.0° or 10.0°, including any increment of 0.1° thereof. The pitch angle (Θ) may be constant or vary along segment 3846. That is, the pitch angle may be the same over the entire length of segment 3846, the pitch angle may increase from the distal end of segment 3846 to its proximal end, or the pitch angle may decrease from the distal end of the segment 3846 to its proximal end. For example, the pitch (e.g., pitch 0.025) and pitch angle (e.g., pitch angle (Θ) of 2.0°, 2.2°, 2.6°) may be the same for entirety of segment 3844, and the pitch and/or pitch angle may increase from distal end (e.g., having a pitch of 0.025 inches and a pitch angle (Θ) of 2.0°, 2.2°, 2.6°) to the proximal end of segment 3846 (e.g., having a pitch of 0.0080 inches and pitch angle (Θ) of 6.3°, 7.1°, 8.2° respectively) while maintaining the same pattern of alternating kerfs portions 3849 (e.g., 120° cut) and non-kerf portions 3851 (e.g., 31.5° uncut) for both segments 3844, 3846. The varying pattern in segment 3846 provides the inner sheath 3824 with a relatively gradual transition in flexibility from distal, flexible cut segment 3844 to proximal, rigid uncut segment 3848.

Referring to FIGS. 43, 43A and 43B, there is depicted the inner sheath 3820 constructed of a hypotube having multiple segments 3862, 3864, 3866, 3868. Segment 3862 is the most distal segment and segment 3868 is the most proximal segment. Segments 3862, 3868 are uncut segments, and segments 3864, 3866 are cut segments. That is, segments 3862, 3868 do not include kerfs, and segments 3864, 3866 include kerfs. Although segments 3864, 3866 include kerfs, segment 3864 has a consistent flexibility from its distal end to its proximal end, and segment 3866 has a variable flexibility from its distal end to its proximal end. That is, the flexibility of the segment 3866 may vary in a manner such that the segment 3866 has a lower flexibility at its distal end and a greater flexibility at its proximal end. Stated differently, the flexibility of the segment 3866 may vary in a manner such that flexibility decreases from its distal end to its proximal end. Additionally, the distal cut segment 3864 may be more flexible in comparison to the proximal cut segment 3866. Although only four segments of the hypotube are depicted in FIG. 43 and described herein, less than or more than four segments may be included within the hypotube. And the segments may include a variety of cut and uncut configurations to yield the flexibility characteristics of the hypotube.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 43 and 43B, uncut segment 3862 may have a length of about 0.025 inches, constant flexible (cut) segment 3864 may have a length of about 3.0 inches to about 3.50 inches, variable flexible (cut) segment 3866 may have a length of about 3.725 inches, and uncut segment 3868 may have a length of about 7.0 inches. Segment 3864 may have a consistent flexibility because this segment may have a consistent pattern of alternating kerfs 3869 and non-kerf 3871 portions over its length. For example, the pattern of alternating kerfs 3869 and non-kerf 3871 portions for segment 3864 may include a kerf 3869 having a width 3870 of about 0.001 inches and a length 3872 for about 120° of the circumference followed by a non-kerf portion 3871 having a length 3872 of about 31.5° of the circumference over a longitudinal length of 3.0 inches. It may also be desirable for the kerfs 3869 (or portions thereof) adjacent one another along the axial length of the segment 3864 to be spaced at a variable pitch (P) of about 0.025 inches to about 0.080 inches from the distal end of segment 3864 to the proximal end of segment 3864. The kerfs 3869 may also be offset from an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the inner sheath 3820 at a pitch angle (Θ) of about 2.0° to about 4.0°, particularly about 2.0°, 2.1°, 2.2°, 2.3°, 2.4°, 2.5°, 2.6°, 2.7°, 2.8°, 2.9°, 3.0°, 3.1°, 3.2°, 3.3°, 3.4°, 3.5°, 3.6°, 3.7°, 3.8°, 3.9° or 4.0°. The pitch angle may be the same over the entire length of segment 3864, the pitch angle may increase from the distal end of segment 3864 to its proximal end, or the pitch angle may decrease from the distal end of the segment 3864 to its proximal end.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 43 variable flexible (cut) segment 3866 may have a decreasing flexibility from its distal end to its proximal end because this pitch of the kerfs increases from its distal end to its proximal end. That is, although segment 3866 has a consistent pattern of alternating kerfs and non-kerf portions over its length, for example, alternating kerfs for about 120° of the circumference followed by a non-kerf portion for about 31.5° of the circumference over a longitudinal length of 3.846 inches, the distance between the kerfs 3870 (or portions thereof) adjacent one another along the axial length of the segment 3864 is spaced at an increasing pitch of about 0.025 inches to 0.080 inches from its distal end to its proximal end.

The kerfs may also be offset from an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the inner sheath 3820 at a pitch angle (Θ) of about 2.0° to about 15.0°, particularly about 5.0°, 6.0°, 7.0°, 8.0°, 9.0°, 10.0° or 15.0°, including any increment of 0.1° thereof. The pitch angle (Θ) may be constant or vary along segment 3866. That is, the pitch angle may be the same over the entire length of segment 3866, the pitch angle may increase from the distal end of segment 3866 to its proximal end, or the pitch angle may decrease from the distal end of the segment 3866 to its proximal end. For example, the pitch (e.g., pitch 0.025 inches) and pitch angle (e.g., pitch angle (Θ) of 2.4°, 2.8°, 3.3°) may be the same for entirety of segment 3864, and the pitch and/or pitch angle may increase from distal end (e.g., having a pitch of 0.025 inches and a pitch angle (Θ) of 2.4°, 2.8°, 3.3°) to the proximal end of segment 3866 (e.g., having a of pitch 0.0080 inches and a pitch angle (Θ) of 7.6°, 8.8°, 10.4° respectively) while maintaining the same pattern of alternating kerfs portions (e.g., 120° cut) and non-kerf portions (e.g., 31.5° uncut) for both segments 3864, 3866. The varying pattern in segment 3866 provides the inner sheath 3820 with a relatively gradual transition in flexibility from distal, flexible cut segment 3864 to proximal, rigid uncut segment 3868.

When comparing the outer sheath (outer hypotube) 3824 with and the inner sheath (inner hypotube) 3820, the inner sheath 3820 may be more flexible than the outer sheath 3824. Specifically, the flexible segment 3864 of the inner sheath 3820 may be more flexible in comparison to flexible segment 3844 of the outer sheath 3824, and flexible segment 3866 of the inner sheath 3820 may be more flexible in comparison to flexible segment 3846 of the outer sheath 3824.

Referring to FIG. 45A, there is depicted a block diagram of the outer sheath (outer hypotube) 3824 with respect to the inner sheath (inner hypotube) 3820 illustrating the axial alignment of corresponding segments thereof. The entirety of uncut distal segment 3842 (including its distal and proximal ends) of the outer hypotube 3824 substantially aligns axially with entirety of uncut distal segment 3862 (including its distal and proximal ends) of the inner hypotube 3820. Although the distal ends of segments of flexible segments 3844, 3864 having constant flexibility are substantially axially aligned along the longitudinal axes of the outer hypotube 3824 and the inner hypotube 3820, the length of flexible segment 3864 of the inner hypotube 3820 is longer than the length of flexible segment 3844 of the outer hypotube 3824, thereby preventing the proximal ends of the flexible segments 3844, 3864 from axially aligning and creating overlap between the proximal end of flexible segment 3864 (having a constant flexibility) of the inner hypotube 3820 with both the proximal end of flexible segment 3844 (having a constant flexibility) and the distal end of flexible segment 3846 (having a variable flexibility) of the outer hypotube 3824. Accordingly, the distal ends of flexible segments 3846, 3866 do not axially align, thereby creating overlap between the distal end of flexible segment 3846 (having a variable flexibility) of the outer hypotube 3824 with both the proximal end flexible segment 3864 (having a constant flexibility) and the distal end of flexible segment 3866 (having a variable flexibility) of the inner hypotube 3820. And the proximal ends of flexible segments 3846, 3866 also do not axially align. The proximal end of flexible segment 3866 (having a variable flexibility) of the inner hypotube 3820 overlaps with both the proximal end of flexible segment 3846 (having a variable flexibility) and the distal end of the proximal uncut segment 3848 of the outer hypotube 3824. And portions (e.g., distal portion, central portion, and proximal portion) of uncut segments 3848, 3868 of the outer hypotube 3824 and the inner hypotube 3820 overlap. This arrangement of overlapping segments between the inner and outer hypotubes creates differing flexibilities between the inner and outer hypotubes, thus preventing the likelihood of potential kinking of the hypotubes.

Although FIG. 45A depicts a block diagram of the outer sheath (outer hypotube) 3824 with respect to the inner sheath (inner hypotube) 3820 having a particular axial alignment of corresponding segments, the segments of the outer sheath (outer hypotube) 3824 and the inner sheath (inner hypotube) 3820 may have alternative arrangements. For example, referring to FIG. 45B, the entirety of uncut distal segment 3842′ (including its distal and proximal ends) of the outer hypotube 3824′ substantially aligns axially with entirety of uncut distal segment 3862′ (including its distal and proximal ends) of the inner hypotube 3820′. The distal ends of segments of flexible segments 3844′, 3864′ having constant flexibility are substantially axially aligned along the longitudinal axes of the outer hypotube 3824′ and the inner hypotube 3820′, and the length of flexible segment 3864′ of the inner hypotube 3820′ is shorter than the length of flexible segment 3844′ of the outer hypotube 3824′, thereby preventing the proximal ends of the flexible segments 3844′, 3864′ from axially aligning and creating overlap between the proximal end of flexible segment 3844′ (having a constant flexibility) of the outer hypotube 3824′ with both the proximal end of flexible segment 3864′ (having a constant flexibility) and the distal end of flexible segment 3866′ (having a variable flexibility) of the inner hypotube 3820′. Accordingly, the distal ends of flexible segments 3846′, 3866′ do not axially align, thereby creating overlap between the distal end of flexible segment 3866′ (having a variable flexibility) of the inner hypotube 3820′ with both the proximal end flexible segment 3844′ (having a constant flexibility) and the distal end of flexible segment 3846′ (having a variable flexibility) of the outer hypotube 3824′. And the proximal ends of flexible segments 3846′, 3866′ also do not axially align. The proximal end of flexible segment 3866′ (having a variable flexibility) of the inner hypotube 3820′ overlaps with both the proximal end of flexible segment 3846′ (having a variable flexibility) and the distal end of the proximal uncut segment 3848′ of the inner hypotube 3820′. And portions (e.g., distal portion, central portion, and proximal portion) of uncut segments 3848′, 3868′ of the outer hypotube 3824′ and the inner hypotube 3820′ overlap.

Referring to FIG. 45C, the entirety of uncut distal segment 3842″ (including its distal and proximal ends) of the outer hypotube 3824″ substantially aligns axially with entirety of uncut distal segment 3862″ (including its distal and proximal ends) of the inner hypotube 3820″. The distal ends of segments of flexible segments 3844″, 3864″ having constant flexibility are substantially axially aligned along the longitudinal axes of the outer hypotube 3824″ and the inner hypotube 3820″, and the length of flexible segment 3864″ of the inner hypotube 3820″ is shorter than the length of flexible segment 3844″ of the outer hypotube 3824″, thereby preventing the proximal ends of the flexible segments 3844″, 3864″ from axially aligning and creating overlap between the proximal end of flexible segment 3844″ (having a constant flexibility) of the outer hypotube 3824″ with both the proximal end of flexible segment 3864″ (having a constant flexibility) and the distal end of flexible segment 3866″ (having a variable flexibility) of the inner hypotube 3820″. Accordingly, the distal ends of flexible segments 3846″, 3866″ do not axially align, thereby creating overlap between the distal end of flexible segment 3866″ (having a variable flexibility) of the inner hypotube 3820″ with both the proximal end flexible segment 3844″ (having a constant flexibility) and the distal end of flexible segment 3846″ (having a variable flexibility) of the outer hypotube 3824″. And the proximal ends of flexible segments 3846″, 3866″ also do not axially align. The proximal end of flexible segment 3846″ (having a variable flexibility) of the outer hypotube 3824″ overlaps with both the proximal end of flexible segment 3866″ (having a variable flexibility) and the distal end of the proximal uncut segment 3868″ of the inner hypotube 3820″. And portions (e.g., distal portion, central portion, and proximal portion) of uncut segments 3848″, 3868″ of the outer hypotube 3824″ and the inner hypotube 3820″ overlap.

Referring to FIG. 45D, the entirety of uncut distal segment 3842′″ (including its distal and proximal ends) of the outer hypotube 3824′″ substantially aligns axially with entirety of uncut distal segment 3862′″ (including its distal and proximal ends) of the inner hypotube 3820′″. The distal ends of segments of flexible segments 3844′″, 3864′″ having constant flexibility are substantially axially aligned along the longitudinal axes of the outer hypotube 3824′″ and the inner hypotube 3820′″, and the length of flexible segment 3864′″ of the inner hypotube 3820′″ is longer than the length of flexible segment 3844′″ of the outer hypotube 3824′″, thereby preventing the proximal ends of the flexible segments 3844′″, 3864′″ from axially aligning and creating overlap between the proximal end of flexible segment 3864′″ (having a constant flexibility) of the inner hypotube 3820′″ with both the proximal end of flexible segment 3844′″ (having a constant flexibility) and the distal end of flexible segment 3846′″ (having a variable flexibility) of the outer hypotube 3824′″. Accordingly, the distal ends of flexible segments 3846′″, 3866′″ do not axially align, thereby creating overlap between the distal end of flexible segment 3846′″ (having a variable flexibility) of the outer hypotube 3824″ with both the proximal end flexible segment 3864′″ (having a constant flexibility) and the distal end of flexible segment 3866′″ (having a variable flexibility) of the inner hypotube 3820′″. And the proximal ends of flexible segments 3846′″, 3866′″ also do not axially align. The proximal end of flexible segment 3846″ (having a variable flexibility) of the outer hypotube 3824′″ overlaps with both the proximal end of flexible segment 3866′″ (having a variable flexibility) and the distal end of the proximal uncut segment 3868″ of the inner hypotube 3820′″. And portions (e.g., distal portion, central portion, and proximal portion) of uncut segments 3848′″, 3868′″ of the outer hypotube 3824″ and the inner hypotube 3820′″ overlap.

Although not shown in any particular figure, the scope of this disclosure shall include any and all combinations of the inner hypotube and the outer hypotube, as well as the cut and the uncut segments of such hypotubes, as depicted in FIGS. 45A, 45B, 45C and 45D.

In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a letter that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

A number of variations and modifications of the disclosure may be used. It would be possible to provide for some features of the disclosure without providing others.

In some embodiments, the systems and methods of this disclosure may be implemented in conjunction with a special purpose computer, a programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and peripheral integrated circuit element(s), an ASIC or other integrated circuit, a digital signal processor, a hard-wired electronic or logic circuit such as discrete element circuit, a programmable logic device or gate array such as PLD, PLA, FPGA, PAL, special purpose computer, any comparable means, or the like. In general, any device(s) or means capable of implementing the methodology illustrated herein may be used to implement the various aspects of this disclosure. Exemplary hardware that may be used for the disclosed embodiments, configurations and aspects includes computers, handheld devices, telephones (e.g., cellular, Internet enabled, digital, analog, hybrids, and others), and other hardware known in the art. Some of these devices include processors (e.g., a single or multiple microprocessors), memory, nonvolatile storage, input devices, and output devices. Furthermore, alternative software implementations including, but not limited to, distributed processing or component/object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtual machine processing may also be constructed to implement the methods described herein.

The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various aspects, embodiments, configurations embodiments, sub combinations, and/or subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the disclosed aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations after understanding the present disclosure. The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and/or reducing cost of implementation.

For example, although a pin and slot cam configuration is discussed within this disclosure, other possible cam configurations may be used. For example, a captured ring cam configuration may be used. A captured ring cam configuration may include a ring that is attached to at least one of the inner sheath (or inner member attached to the inner sheath) or the outer sheath (or outer member attached to the outer sheath) and that is captured by two angled lobes on the other sheath (or member). Although the ring may be captured by one lobe, it may be preferred for the ring to be captured by two lobes—one on each side of the ring—such that cutting surface may be forced in both a proximal direction (toward a retraction position) and distal direction (toward an extended direction). The benefit of being able to force the cutting surface in both directions with the aid of the captured cam configuration potentially negates the need for a spring or other retraction mechanism to force the inner sheath (or inner member) and cutting surface back within the outer sheath (or outer member.

Another example of an alternate embodiment may include replacing the cutting tip with a dilator top or separator tip. A further example of an alternate embodiment may include varying the degrees of rotation of the inner sheath assembly or the barrel cam cylinder in the clockwise and/or counter-clockwise direction. An even further example of an alternate embodiment may include the barrel cam cylinder and the inner sheath assembly first rotating in a counter-clockwise direction followed by rotating in a clockwise direction.

The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Summary for example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed aspect, embodiment, and/or configuration. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Summary, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the disclosure.

Moreover, though the description has included description of one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter. 

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A device for removing an implanted object, the device comprising: an inner sheath assembly; an intermediate sheath assembly; an outer sheath assembly; and a handle assembly that comprises a housing, a trigger, a cutting tip drive mechanism, and a shield drive mechanism carried by the housing, whereupon an actuation of the trigger causes the cutting tip drive mechanism to rotate the inner sheath assembly and a cutting tip relative to the intermediate sheath assembly, and the shield drive mechanism to reconfigure the device from a shielded configuration in which the cutting tip is disposed within the outer sheath assembly to an extended configuration in which a cutting tip at least partially protrudes from the outer sheath assembly and vice versa; wherein the intermediate sheath assembly comprises an intermediate tip disposed at a distal end of the intermediate sheath assembly; wherein the inner sheath assembly is transported within the intermediate sheath assembly, the inner sheath assembly comprises the cutting tip; wherein the outer sheath assembly is transported outside the outer sheath assembly.
 22. The device of claim 21, wherein the cutting tip drive mechanism comprises a prime mover.
 23. The device of claim 22, wherein the prime mover is a motor.
 24. The device of claim 21, wherein the trigger is a button.
 25. The device of claim 21, wherein the outer sheath assembly comprises an outer sheath and an outer shield disposed at the distal end of the outer sheath assembly.
 26. The device of claim 24, wherein the button shifts relative to the housing.
 27. The device of claim 25, wherein the outer sheath assembly is rotatable and translatable relative to the intermediate sheath assembly from a first position to a second position and vice versa.
 28. The device of claim 22, wherein the cutting tip drive mechanism includes a cam coupled to an inner sheath of the inner sheath assembly.
 29. The device of claim 28, wherein the cam and a follower mechanism are a first cam and the follower mechanism, and further comprises a second cam and the follower mechanism defined by the intermediate tip and the cutting tip, the second cam and the follower mechanism translating the cutting tip relative to the intermediate tip as the cutting tip rotates relative to the intermediate tip.
 30. The device of claim 21, wherein the intermediate sheath assembly comprises a longitudinal axis extending between the distal end of the intermediate sheath assembly and a proximal end of the intermediate sheath assembly, wherein the shield drive mechanism is actuated by rotating about the longitudinal axis.
 31. The device of claim 21, wherein the shield drive mechanism is rotatably coupled to the handle assembly.
 32. The device of claim 25, further comprising a cam and follower mechanism defined by the intermediate tip and the outer shield, the cam and follower mechanism translating the outer sheath relative to an intermediate sheath of the intermediate sheath assembly from a first position to when the outer sheath assembly rotates relative to the intermediate sheath.
 33. The device of claim 32, further comprising: in response to the outer shield placed in the first position, a cutting surface of the cutting tip configured to remain disposed within the outer shield as the cam and follower mechanism is configured to translate the cutting tip relative to the intermediate tip and to a cutting tip rotation relative to an intermediate tip position.
 34. A device for removing an implanted object from a body vessel, the device comprising: an inner sheath assembly; an intermediate sheath assembly; an outer sheath assembly rotatably disposed radially outward of the intermediate sheath assembly, the outer sheath assembly comprises an outer sheath and an outer shield disposed at a distal end of the outer sheath assembly; and a handle assembly that comprises a housing, a trigger, a cutting tip drive mechanism, and a shield drive mechanism carried by the housing, whereupon an actuation of the trigger causes the cutting tip drive mechanism to rotate the inner sheath assembly and a cutting tip relative to the intermediate sheath assembly, and the shield drive mechanism to reconfigure the device from a shielded configuration in which the cutting tip is disposed within the outer sheath assembly to an extended configuration in which a cutting tip at least partially protrudes from the outer sheath assembly wherein the intermediate sheath assembly comprises an intermediate tip disposed at the distal end of the intermediate sheath assembly; wherein the inner sheath assembly is disposed within the intermediate sheath assembly, the inner sheath assembly comprises the cutting tip.
 35. The device of claim 34, wherein the cutting tip drive mechanism comprises a prime mover.
 36. The device of claim 35, wherein the prime mover is a motor.
 37. The device of claim 34, wherein the trigger is a button.
 38. The device of claim 37, wherein the button shifts relative to the housing.
 39. The device of claim 35, wherein the cutting tip drive mechanism includes a cam coupled to an inner sheath of the inner sheath assembly.
 40. The device of claim 39, wherein the cam and a follower mechanism are a first cam and the follower mechanism, and further comprises a second cam and the follower mechanism defined by the intermediate tip and a cutting tip, the second cam and the follower mechanism translating the cutting tip relative to the intermediate tip as the cutting tip rotates relative to the intermediate tip. 